The Northern Light: December 8-14, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

December 8 - 14, 2022

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Whatcom County Council meeting roundup, page 5

Wrestling starts off strong in Everett, page 6

BCT to debut holiday play, page 13

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

Holiday Harbor Lights kicks off holiday season Tanksley announces bid for sheriff By Ian Haupt

(See Tanksley, page 2)

s Blaine students carol during Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s 10th annual Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash at Lincoln Park on December 3. The dash was one of many festive events during Holiday Harbor Lights to ring in the holiday season. More photos on pages 8-9. Photo by Molly Ernst

Border economy is a mixed bag By Grace McCarthy Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron stands in his H Street company’s storage room lined with boxes. Holiday sales have returned to normal this year, which is about 50 percent more than nonseasonal times, Baron says, but overall business is not operating at prepandemic levels. “We’re still not back to where we were precovid,” Baron said. “There’s still a lot of people who haven’t been back to the states since. But we’re hearing more and more people every day saying, ‘This is my first time back.’” Mailbox owners like Baron have had varying degrees of sales and optimism with returning Canadian customers as cross-border travel restrictions have slowly eased this year. Economic recovery in Blaine seems to be a mixed bag. Blaine’s sales tax receipts are looking promising despite the closure of several mailbox stores, but gas tax revenue continues to be hard hit with Canadians not waiting at the fuel pump as they once did. Mailbox stores contribute to the city’s sales tax, which benefits basic city operations in the general fund, while gas stations contribute to the city’s gas tax, which funds street maintenance and operations. “It’s huge,” said city finance director

Daniel Heverling of the missing gas revenue. “It’s really hurting the street fund because the numbers are way down. The sales tax is impacting the general fund but it seems like it’s rebounding.” Sales tax revenues were 0.4 percent higher, or $5,601 more, in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 2019, which Heverling said was an average year. Still, sales tax had a $75,990 deficit during the first three quarters of 2022 and 2019. Gas tax revenue was down almost 74 percent, or $188,000, in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to 2019. Heverling said he didn’t know when the gas revenue could rebound, as he expected Canadians would have returned to Blaine gas stations. He speculated that Canadians could be foregoing Blaine gas for less expensive prices on Lummi Nation’s reservation. “I thought when the border opened they would come back,” he said. East Blaine housing development is expected to cushion the lack of gas tax revenue as well as improve the growing sales tax, Heverling said. Even with optimistic sales numbers, the finance director is hesitant to celebrate too soon. City council sliced the budget in 2020 and has kept it constrained, while restoring some services like police staffing in 2021 and 2022. Heverling planned the

2023 budget, which council passed on November 28, to be tight as national recession concerns loom for next year and 2024. “We’re not cutting anything for 2023,” he said. “We just didn’t add a whole bunch of new stuff. We’ll have a bit of a deficit that will be drawing into our reserves.” Baron said he saw about a 10-20 percent increase in customers when Canada stopped requiring the ArriveCAN app, but the U.S. vaccine requirement still stops some from traveling. Baron began for(See Business, page 3)

INSIDE

Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley is running for Whatcom County sheriff. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) position is up for election next November. Sheriff Bill Elfo is currently serving his fourth consecutive four-year term. He was appointed interim sheriff in late 2002 to replace former state senator Dale Brandland. Elfo served as Blaine police chief prior to being elected sheriff. Elfo did not respond to The Northern Light’s requests for comment. Tanksley said he considered running for sheriff after people in the community asked whether he ever thought about running. He said he loves Blaine and its residents, but thought it would be a great opportunity to serve more people. “I evaluated that, my appreciation for our community and what I believe I could do for the community, together with the community and with the great men and women of WCSO,” Tanksley said. Tanksley has created a website and Facebook page, both named “Tank for Sheriff,” for his campaign. The city of Blaine hired Tanksley as police chief in May 2019, and he was sworn in that June. Over the past three years, Tanksley has implemented data-driven traffic enforcement, suspended use of vascular neck restraints following the death of George Floyd, upgraded department vehicles, implemented a state-required body-worn camera program, restaffed the department and pushed for development of a new police station. Tanksley served in the U.S. military for 21 years. He worked for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in Missouri from 1993 to 2014, the last seven of which he served as commander. He moved to Bellingham to become assistant chief of police for Western Washington University for three years and then chief of police at Portland State University in Oregon from 2017 until joining Blaine. As sheriff, Tanksley said some of his top priorities would be reducing and preventing crime through a proactive community-focused approach and breaking the cycle of incarceration and recidivism, or repeat offenders. He would also like to prioritize engaging with WCSO staff and other county departments as well as behavioral and mental health care. He said he would like to work against biases that intertwine homelessness with criminal behavior. Tanksley highlighted the need for a new jail facility that has the capacity to provide services for those incarcerated. He said the current facility does not have necessary services to reduce incarceration and recidivism, as well as providing continuous services to people after they are released. “I don’t believe we should be looking at how to make inmates better,” he said. “I think we should be looking at how to make people better, so that’s the goal.”

TheNorthernLight

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 14 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

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s Blaine Police Department chief Donnell Tanksley announced he will run for Whatcom County sheriff in the November 2023 election. Photo by Grace McCarthy

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Tanksley is also a member of Whatcom County’s Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, which reviews the county’s criminal justice and behavioral health programs, as a small city police chief. When asked why he believes he is fit for the job, Tanksley cites his well-rounded experience and mentality for caring for people. He said it’s important to approach people without judgment and believe that everyone deserves a chance and are capable of being productive in society. “I think it’s incumbent upon the sheriff of a county to acknowledge that everyone’s valued,” Tanksley said. “Although, we also need to hold people accountable.” In an interview with The Northern Light in June, celebrating three years with BPD, Tanksley said his biggest accomplishment while at the department is having completed 90 percent of BPD’s Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program (LEMAP) recommendations. LEMAP examines department policies, procedures, how it conducts business and provides a series of recommendations. Tanksley has associate’s degrees in human resource management, education and training management and criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in management from National Louis University and a master’s degree in management from Fontbonne University.

December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Business ... From page 1

warding parcels to Canada when customers couldn’t retrieve their packages, something he says has decreased since the pandemic but still remains about 10 percent of business. “There still remains a huge value proposition for Canadians to come down to the states and get things they can’t get,” Baron said. “Or they can get it cheaper, or in some small cases, get it faster.” Several mailbox stores have closed or changed owners since the pandemic. Pacific Mail and Parcel closed in August and 5dpackages closed in late October. Pulse Packages closed recently and the owner started working at Security Mail Services, which Brant took over in 2021. Border Mail closed in June 2021 and was taken over by new owners this July, under the name At the Border Mail (Ship49). Hagen’s of Blaine also changed storefronts, and mailbox stores overall have reduced staffing and hours of operation since the pandemic. 5dpackages owner Jamie Leu said his decision to close the mailbox store came from a combination of burnout, staffing and money issues. While operating during the pandemic was challenging, Leu, who opened the store at 20 years old in 2014, said closing the business came from personal reasons. “Our customer numbers had zero factor in our decision to close. Our financials even less so, as the best financial choice would have been to keep the business open in an attempt to recoup the losses during Covid-19,” he said in an email to The Northern Light. Leu said his customers evaporated when the U.S./Canada border closed, reducing his staff from 18 to two part-time employees and most of the money going toward rent and payroll. Like other businesses, he didn’t see an immediate return in customers as they navigated travel barriers such as expired passports. Leu said he expects mailbox business to return to normal soon because the desire to shop online hasn’t

gone away. “I still believe there’s a demand for this service, and yes, if we stayed open we probably would be doing quite well right now as it is the holiday season and would be set up for a good start in the new year,” he said. Hagen’s of Blaine downsized in the spring and moved its Peace Portal Drive storefront around the corner to a building it used for overnight storage. This holiday season is the largest uptick they’ve seen in customers, but is still 50-60 percent of holiday sales in 2019, co-owner Kelle Hagen said. “It’s changed,” Hagen said of the business landscape. “People have changed their shopping habits and the Canadian dollar is not great, so it’s not ever going to be as busy as it used to be unless the dollar changes.” As of December 6, the Canadian dollar was worth $0.73 U.S. Despite slower business, Hagen said sales were healthier than the past couple of years. “Things are better,” she said. “Things are way better than they were a year or two years ago.” Similar to Hagen, Mike Hill, owner of Hill’s Chevron in downtown, said gas sales are improving but aren’t where they were before March 2020. Gas sales are down roughly half compared to before the pandemic, he said. In 2019, the gas station was pumping about 5,200 gallons per day, but now it’s pumping around 3,000 gallons daily, or 58 percent. Hill’s Chevron was down about 95 percent during the U.S./Canada border closure. “It just takes time because people are creatures of habit,” he said. Hill said he’s advertising in Canada and relying on the gas station’s souvenir sales, which have increased from $600,000 to $1 million annually since the gas station was remodeled before the border closed. “I think it’s doing good, but it’s not even close to the potential the town could be,” he said. “I think Christmas will help.” White Rock resident Chris Drake used to cross the border every 10 days to buy gas and pick up packages at least four times per year in Blaine. Drake hasn’t

s Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron said holiday sales have returned to prepandemic levels. Photo by Grace McCarthy

crossed the border in three years because she’s not vaccinated. When asked if she would continue her normal shopping patterns if the U.S. dropped vaccine requirements, Drake immediately replied, “Absolutely, absolutely.” About 85 percent of all B.C. residents are vaccinated against Covid-19 with two doses and 57 percent are fully vaccinated with a third dose, according to Covid-19 Tracker Canada, an independent initiative that works with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Drake’s daughter picked up a box she had since March 2020 at 5dpackages before the store closed at the end of October. “What this represents is the commerce side of it, but the more significant side as I came to talk with people is the familiar, the relational side of things, was really harmed,” said Baron, of Mail Boxes International. “Hopefully people can see it’s representative of a much bigger thing – that the Canadian and U.S. people are tied to each other. We’re neighbors. I hope we can have this moved past and continue to be neighbors.”

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Member of the Month Blaine Bouquets 633 Peace Portal Drive Blaine, WA 98230 www.blainebouquets.net Number of employees: Three, consisting of floral designers and retail staff.

s Hagen’s of Blaine co-owner Kelle Hagen standing in her company’s storage room on December 6. Photo by Grace McCarthy

How long in business: Blaine Bouquets has been in business since 1995. It has been under its current ownership for the past 8 years. Description of business: Blaine Bouquets is a year-round flower shop and gift shop. We also sell wine, we have a great selection of Washington wines. We create and deliver floral arrangements/bouquets of all types, gourmet food and fruit baskets, candy bouquets, plants and we carry Washingtonmade artisan truffles that are heavenly. We also have an extensive gift line and we can add wine to any order. Future goals: To continue providing great service to Blaine and surrounding areas with stunning floral bouquets, gift baskets and gifts for many occasions. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!

The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. 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.

Blaine Food Bank decorates for Christmas

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

s Blaine Food Bank added festive holiday cheer to its location at 500 C Street this week. The food bank is hosting its annual matching funds campaign to purchase milk and eggs. An anonymous donor has offered to give the food bank $40,000 if the community provides matching funds by Friday, December 23. The food bank has received $31,000 in donations as of December 6, operations manager Sally Church said. Photos by Grace McCarthy

Letters

Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Judith Graham / Kaiser Health News The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 26 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Dec. 15 Ads due: Dec. 9

The Editor: There is something that I think the city of Blaine could help with. I have noticed three or four times that when there is a backup at the U.S./ Canada border people are getting out of their cars and running for the nearest restroom. The last time was on Thanksgiving.

Often there is a backup at both crossings as if they are down to one lane, is this to protest against their fellow neighbors for shopping across border? Here’s my idea, if we want to have them coming across the border, could the city put a couple of temporary toilets, or even permanent ones, next to the highway?

If the border stations are that bad they might just stop coming. Just an idea that someone might want to look into. Kenneth Hersman Custer Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. The December meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 at Blaine Senior Center.

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., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Whatcom County Council meeting roundup ... By Ian Haupt The latest news from November and December Whatcom County Council meetings Whatcom County final 2023-24 budget Whatcom County Council adopted, in a 5-2 vote, with councilmembers Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed, the county’s final budget for 2023-24 in its November 22 regular meeting. The county will spend over $117.2 million in 2023 and $121.1 million in 2024 out of the general fund, according to the ordinance. Elenbaas said he was torn because he only had one vote, and while he supports many budget

items, like 10 new deputies to join Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, he listed other issues he believes need to be addressed. His concerns included homelessness, flooding issues, a new jail facility and mental health. “So I’m torn. Torn on whether I’m voting ‘yes’ or voting ‘no,’” he said. “Probably leaning more towards a no, because I really want to support the whole package, and I don’t know if I’m there yet.” Blaine Urban Growth Area Council unanimously adopted a new urban growth area for the city of Blaine as the previous interlocal agreement, passed in 2012, was set to expire. Changes from the last agree-

ment include being subject to the review and evaluation program in the 2022 buildable lands report, city to reimburse county for depreciated value of capital road and stormwater construction projects completed during the 15-year period prior to annexation – previously 10-year, responsibilities for sales tax revenue sharing, and modifications to resource lands and rural areas provisions. Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer area traffic, signage Council voted on numerous traffic detours and signage changes in Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer. Council held a public hearing to establish a one-way traffic pattern on Drayton Harbor Road for

eastbound travelers and a signed detour for westbound travelers that will begin around Friday, January 13, 2023, while public works repairs the westbound lane of Drayton Harbor Road, west of Shintaffer Road. The safety detour is five miles, connecting Harborview Road, Lincoln Road, Semiahmoo Parkway and Drayton Harbor Road, according to the detour map. The repairs will not be completed until summer 2024, according to a November 29 press release. An ordinance to remove a temporary stop sign on Drayton Harbor Road was also held in (See County, page 16)

CITY OF BLAINE Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, December 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting *CANCELLED* 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, December 12 4:30pm – Study Session: Planning Commission Candidate Interviews 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Thursday, December 15 2:00pm – Hearing Examiner: Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for Peace Portal Condominiums

WCLS online database offers community resources Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is offering community resources on its website for everything from food to financial assistance. The WCLS website categorizes the resources by education, emergency and disaster, employment, financial and tax,

food, health and Covid-19, housing, legal and weather. WCLS trustee Lori Jump pitched the page, updated regularly, after the November 2021 floods. The 117 resources on the website are dated when they were last modified. Informa-

tion includes flooding resources, wildfire smoke monitoring, legal resources and a link to get free Naloxone, a drug to help opioid overdoses. “Neighbors count on the library system to be a trusted reference source,” WCLS deputy director Michael Cox said in a

statement. “The Community Resources page is an example of that work in action. This online database can serve as a critical resource for community members during times when quick answers are needed the most.” Visit wcls.org/community-resources for the resources.

Monday, December 26 City Offices Closed – Christmas Day Observed Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

TNL accepting holiday decoration photos Zion Lutheran Church Do you have holiday decorations you’re especially proud of this year? If so, The Northern Light will be publishing photos of holiday lights and

decorations around homes and businesses. Whether it’s a flashy light display or a life-size Grinch decoration, we want to showcase

“Carols by Candlelight”

your creativity to the community. Please email your photos or address to editor@pointrobertspress.com by Friday, December 16 for a chance to be published.

Wednesday, Dec. 14th at 6:30 PM

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Arts council to host children’s author Blaine Arts Council (BAC) will host a local author at its 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 8 meeting at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Barb Davis-Pyles will discuss her journey from psychologist

to author and provide recommendations for others seeking to pen their first book. She’ll also discuss her process creating children’s picture books such as “Grizzly Boy,” “Stubby the Fearless Squid” and “Cliff the Failed

Troll.” Her fourth book, “Nobody Likes Frogs,” is set to be published next spring. BAC meets the second Thursday of each month at the library. For more information, visit blaineartscouncil.org.

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Sports Sports roundup: Boys wrestling win ahead of Battle at the Border

s Senior Matthew Russ goes up for a layup in Blaine’s 60-49 win over Bellingham High School December 5. Photo by Ian Haupt

s Cael Button at the Mariner Holiday tournament. Button finished first at 132 pounds.

Photo by Rie Pomeroy

13-school invite Mariner Holi- vol won at their respective weight day Tournament, accumulating classes of 126, 132, 220 and 285 Blaine boys wrestling won its a total of 195 points to take the pounds. Cal Fitzgerald, Thomas first tournament offunded thewholly season team victory. Marysville Pilchuck and Christian Bullard This project has been or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistanceCox agreement PC-01J18001-6 to the Washington State took Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade December 3 in Everett. School tookendorsement second with second at 138, 145 and 160. names orHigh commercial products constitute or recommendation for use. Four Blaine wrestlers took 144 points. Head coach Tom Hinz said the first in their weight class after Tim Pomeroy, Cael Button, Joel team has won the tournament in seven made it to the finals at the Barrientos-Estrada and Victor Ger- the past.

By Ian Haupt

Be Septic Safe.

“It was exciting to have seven guys in the finals,” Hinz said. “It was a good day.” The team will host its two-day, 13-team invite Battle at the Border tournament this weekend, Friday, December 9 starting at 1 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 starting at 8 a.m. in the Blaine High School gymnasium. Last year the team took fifth, but Hinz said the team is looking better this year, with a strong contingent of varsity wrestlers. Ferndale and Camas high schools are two to watch out for, as Hinz said they were bringing up to 20 and 40 wrestlers. He said they have a lot of bodies. “It would be great to take home a trophy,” Hinz said. Boys basketball The Borderites beat Bellingham High School 60-49 in their first conference home game of the season December 6. The weekend before, they hosted two preseason games against King’s and Bear Creek, where they picked up a win and loss before heading into the regular season. Blaine lost 61-59 to King’s December 2 and beat Bear Creek 80-38 December 3. The Borderites will travel to Oak Harbor Saturday, December 10. Then they will host Lakewood Wednesday, December 14. Both games are at 7:15 p.m. The boys are 2-1 so far this season. Girls basketball

The Lady Borderites opened conference play at Bellingham December 6. They lost 45-40 to the Bayhawks. Blaine will host La Conner Thursday, December 8 and Oak Harbor Saturday, December 10. The girls then travel to Lakewood Wednesday, December 14. All three games are at 7:15 p.m. They are 0-1. Girls wrestling The Lady Borderites opened their season December 6 at Mount Baker High School in a conference match against Mount Baker, Meridian, Squalicum, Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley. They travel to Orting Saturday, December 10 for a multi-school tournament. Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. Girls bowling Blaine girls bowling, which began just before the pandemic, is already well into its season, with two wins and a loss. The team plays and practices at Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale. So far, the team has beaten Meridian 2-1 and Anacortes 3-0, but was swept 3-0 by Burlington-Edison just before Thanksgiving break November 22. The girls were scheduled to face Squalicum December 2 and Mount Vernon December 7. They bowl next Tuesday, January 3 at Mt. Baker Lanes against Ferndale. All matches start at 3:15 p.m.

TSA club hosting cancer foundation fundraiser This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J18001-6 to the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

Blaine High School Technology Student Association club is putting on a winter festival 7-9 p.m. Monday, December 12 in the Blaine Middle School cafeteria that will raise funds for cancer research and treatment. The winter festival is family-friendly and will include music, games and snacks, Associated

Student Body president Sabrina Boczek told The Northern Light in an email. Donations will go toward the American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer, according to its website. It was formed in 1913 and is based in Atlanta.

December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Active S eniors

It’s your choice: You can change your views of aging and improve your life By Judith Graham, Kaiser Health News People’s beliefs about aging have a profound impact on their health, influencing everything from their memory and sensory perceptions to how well they walk, how fully they recover from disabling illness, and how long they live. When aging is seen as a negative experience (characterized by terms such as decrepit, incompetent, dependent, and senile), individuals tend to experience more stress in later life and engage less often in healthy behaviors such as exercise. When views are positive (signaled by words such as wise, alert, accomplished, and creative), people are more likely to be active and resilient and to have a stronger will to live. These internalized beliefs about aging are mostly unconscious, formed from early childhood on as we absorb messages about growing old from TV, movies, books, advertisements and other forms of popular culture. They vary by individual, and they’re distinct from prejudice and discrimination against older adults in the social sphere. More than 400 scientific studies have demonstrated the impact of individuals’ beliefs about aging. Now, the question is whether people can alter these largely unrecognized assumptions about growing older and assume more control over them. In her book, “Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live,” Becca Levy of Yale University, a leading expert on this topic, argues we can. “With the right mindset and tools, we can change our age beliefs,” she asserts in the book’s introduction. Levy, a professor of psychology and epidemiology, has demonstrated in multiple studies that exposing people to positive descriptions of aging can improve their memory, gait, balance and

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will to live. All of us have an “extraordinary opportunity to rethink what it means to grow old,” she writes. Recently, I asked Levy to describe what people can do to modify beliefs about aging. Our conversation, below, has been edited for length and clarity. Q: How important are age beliefs, compared with other factors that affect aging? In an early study, we found that people with positive age beliefs lived longer – a median of 7.5 additional years – compared with those with negative beliefs. Compared with other factors that contribute to longevity, age beliefs had a greater impact than high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking. Q: You suggest that age beliefs can be changed. How? That’s one of the hopeful messages of my research. Even in a culture like ours, where age beliefs tend to be predominantly negative, there is a whole range of responses to aging. What we’ve shown is it’s possible to activate and strengthen positive age beliefs that people have assimilated in different types of ways. Q: What strategies do you suggest? The first thing we can do is promote awareness of what our own age beliefs are. A simple way is to ask yourself, “When you think of an older person, what are the first five words or phrases that come to mind?” Noticing which beliefs are generated quickly can be an important first step in awareness. Q: What else can people do to increase awareness? Another powerful technique is something I call “age belief journaling.” That involves writing down any portrayal of aging that comes up over a week. It could be a conversation you overhear in a coffee shop or something on social media or on your favorite show on Netflix. If there is an absence of older people, write that

down, too. At the end of the week, tally up the number of positive and negative portrayals and the number of times that old people are absent from conversations. With the negative descriptions, take a moment and think, “Could there be a different way of portraying that person?” Q: What comes next? Becoming aware of how ageism and age beliefs are operating in society. Shift the blame to where it is due. In the book, I suggest thinking about something that’s happened to an older person that’s blamed on aging – and then taking a step back and asking whether something else could be going on. For example, when an older adult is forgetful, it’s often blamed on aging. But there are many reasons people might not remember something. They might have been stressed when they heard the information. Or they might have been distracted. Not remembering something can happen at any age. Unfortunately, there’s a tendency to blame older people rather than looking at other potential causes for their behaviors or circumstances. Q: You encourage people to challenge negative age beliefs in public. Yes. In the book, I present 14 negative age beliefs and the science that dispels them. And I recommend becoming knowledgeable about that research. For example, a common belief is that older people don’t contribute to society. But we know from research that older adults are most likely to recycle and make philanthropic gifts. Altruistic motivations become stronger with age. Older adults often work or volunteer in positions that make meaningful contributions. And they tend to engage in what’s called legacy thinking, wanting to create a better world for future generations.

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In my own case, if I hear something concerning, I often need to take time to think about a good response. And that’s fine. You can go back to somebody and say, “I was thinking about what you said the other day. And I don’t know if you know this, but research shows that’s not actually the case.” Q: Another thing you talk about is creating a portfolio of positive role models. What do you mean by that? Focus on positive images of aging. These can be people you

know, a character in a book, someone you’ve learned about in a documentary, a historical figure – they can come from many different sources. I recommend starting out with, say, five positive images. With each one, think about qualities you admire and you might want to strengthen in yourself. One person might have a great sense of humor. Another might have a great perspective on how to solve conflicts and bring people togeth(See Aging, page 10)

Hi, I’m Jack!

I am a lifelong Bellingham resident. I was born at the county hospital located on the corner of Smith and Northwest roads. I briefly attended Roeder Elementary and grade 2 thru 12 at Meridian School. I was one of 35 students who graduated from Meridian High School. We had 14 guys and 15 girls in the class. At 15 years old, I worked as a hired hand on a dairy farm. I earned $20 a month including room and board. Later, on a larger dairy farm, I earned $35 a month including room and board. At 18, I joined the Army and was trained as a cryptographer. I traveled to Japan, Germany, Vietnam, and Ethiopia where I encrypted intelligent communications data. I retired in 1977 from the Army then attended WWU and received a B.A. in education. I was a substitute teacher for a while as I was receiving a Masters in History. I finally retired from Ernst Home and Nursery as a manager in 2000. My wife and I had a two-story home on Iris Lane and I would run past the big pink building. After she passed away, I decided to sell my home and move into that building now known as Solstice Senior Living, that was in 2018. Since then, I have been writing my autobiography.

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights rings in wintertime celebrations

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Ruth Lauman

December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

A Christmas tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage, music from Blaine middle and high school students, hot cocoa, and Santa Claus meet-and-greet were all part of the evening festivities during Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights on December 3. Earlier in the day, the Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash had runners sprinting to the finish line in their best holiday attire and shoppers found gifts for loved ones at the Blaine Library book sale and holiday craft bazaars.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Ruth Lauman Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Ruth Lauman

The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Labor market continues to grow, tech layoffs yet to impact By Ian Haupt Following the past month’s news of tech layoffs at Amazon, Meta and other companies with headquarters or hubs in Seattle, Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) regional labor economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman says the state’s labor economy remains solid. Vance-Sherman said ESD is still receiving a historically low level of unemployment claims,

which show layoff activity. “We are still looking at a tight labor market,” she said. Washington saw a decrease in initial unemployment claims filed in the week of November 20-26 but has seen an increase in the month of November that Vance-Sherman said was not significant and likely not due to tech layoffs. Over 5,600 claims were filed in the week ending November 26 and 4,982 were filed in the corresponding week in 2021.

Just over 6,600 were filed in the week ending November 19. In 2020, ESD saw 30,274 filed in that same week. Vance-Sherman said some tech layoffs did show up in a recent ESD report. October saw a loss of 5,900 jobs in the information systems sector statewide. But most layoffs in the tech sector likely won’t be seen in unemployment claims because, she said, those workers will receive severance packages.

Whatcom County saw a slight increase in unemployment claims last week, but numbers continue to be at or below where they were pre-pandemic. There were 166 initial unemployment claims filed in the week of November 20 to November 26, and the week before ESD saw 139 filed. In the corresponding weeks a year ago, 133 and 181 initial claims were filed, while 662 and 985 were filed the same weeks in 2020, according to ESD data.

The U.S. economy has also rebounded since real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted at the beginning of the year. National GDP grew by 2.9 percent in the third quarter of 2022, while in the first and second quarter of the year GDP decreased at an annual rate 1.6 percent and 0.6 percent. Vance-Sherman previously said in August that the indicators of an economic recession (See Economy, page 16)

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er. Another might have a great work ethic or a great approach to social justice. There can be different strengths in different people that can inspire us. Q: You also recommend cultivating intergenerational contacts. We know from research that meaningful intergenerational contact can be a way to improve age beliefs. A starting point is to think about your five closest friends and what age they are. In my case, I realized that most of my friends were within a couple of years of my age. If that’s the case with you, think about ways to get to know people of other ages through a dance class, a book club, or a political group. Seeing older people in action often allows us to dispel negative

File photo

age beliefs. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is

one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: JUDITH C. MANN, Deceased. No. 22-4-0108937. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Notice of First Publication: Dec. 1, 2022 Personal Representative: Paul D. Mann, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54348 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: CAROL J. WATKINS, Deceased. No. 22-4-01057-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If notice was not provided under RCW Chapters 11.40 or 11.42, the creditor must present the claim within twenty-four months after the decedent’s date of death. 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. Notice of First Publication: Dec. 1, 2022 Personal Representative: SANDRA L. ERICKSON Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WHATCOM, DENNIS COHOE, Plaintiff, vs. TANA DASILVA, Defendant, And CALIBER HOME LOANS, Statutory Defendant. No. 222-01147-37. SUMMONS SERVED BY PUBLICATION (SMPB) To the Defendant Tana DaSilva: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 8th day of December 2022, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Dennis Cohoe, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, Casie C. Rodenberger, at her office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The Plaintiff has filed a Partition Complaint which requests Declaratory Relief regarding the shared house, alleges Unjust Enrichment; Unlawful Conversion; and Trespass to Chattel/Intentional interference with Property This summons is issued pursuant to Superior Court Civil Rule 4 of the state of Washington. File original of your response with the clerk of the court at: Whatcom County Superior Court 311 Grand Avenue, 3rd Floor Bellingham, WA 98225 Serve a copy of your response on: Casie C. Rodenberger Whatcom Law Group, P.S. 289 H Street, Suite A/PO Box 1258 Blaine, WA 98231

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Real Estate

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5486 Salish Road

MLS #2011655 $789,900 Beautiful custom residence designed by renowned Architectural firm “Nicon International”. In Pacific Northwest’s fabulous Birch Bay Village gated marina, golf & beach community. Extraordinary details throughout w/craftsman quality woodwork & dramatic open plan. Huge owner’s suite above the oversize garage. rich tilework, chef’s kitchen w/large dining space, hardwood floors, separate family & living rooms, gas fireplaces...& list goes on. 2 sundecks.

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7585 Sterling Avenue

MLS #1997216 $319,000 Birch Bay opportunity for a nice size homesite with shop/garage and outbuilding. Home in need of leveling or replace with newer model. Not far from all Birch Bay amenities including Birch Bay State Park, restaurant’s, shopping, waterslides, new Birch Bay Berm project now completed, and a new Birch Bay community park scheduled for completion this next year. Parklike setting is one of a kind & will offer a very special private & serene location & experience.

5375 Nootka Loop

MLS #1983680 $1,399,000 Rare opportunity to realize your dream of a beautiful waterfront home in a fun community. It shows as new! This is one of Birch Bay Village’s prime saltwater locations w/ breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay & Mt. Baker. 24/7 manned security offers incomparable peace of mind when home or away. Short walk to amenities including golf, marina, pickle ball, clubhouse & more. Minutes to U.S./Canada border & under 2 hrs. to Seattle. This home is turnkey!

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Nootka Loop

MLS #2008787 $499,000 One of few remaining low-bank waterfront lots in Birch Bay Village. Property backs directly onto beach with spectacular views of bay & Mt Baker. Recent Topographic Survey shows level site with 60.2 ft of beachfront. Sale also includes completed Cultural Resources/Archaeology Report, & Tsunami Hazard Report with Ordinary High-Water Mark. Comprehensive information to expedite development process. Water, sewer, electricity, & natural gas available in street.

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MLS #2016188 $550,000 Absolutely prime location in the heart of bustling Blaine with so much potential! Zoned Residential-Office, possibilities are endless: use as single-family home, vacation rental or as office space for doctor or attorney, etc. Spectacular Drayton Harbor & Semiahmoo views + just steps to marina, shopping, dining & schools. New furnace, tankless water heater & gas fireplace + original hardwood floors help to retain warm & inviting feel of this Craftsman charmer.

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3335 Sweet Road

MLS #2018513 $1,699,900 SELLER FINANCING POSSIBLE. Welcome home to this TRANQUIL, character-filled, 2 home estate on nearly 10 acres with expansive views from Baker to the Bay. Main house features remodeled chef’s kitchen w/ granite, pro appliances, breakfast nook w/ view, 2 fireplaces, remodeled primary BR with flex room & reading perch. All seasons BBQ room w/pro exhaust. Full daylight basement w/sep entrance+full kitchen.

Carla Moore 360-815-0127 Deanna Gartner 360-410-6900

8253 Skeena Way

MLS #1994779 $199,000 The last Manufactured home lot in Birch Bay Village, Saltwater Marina, golf course, 24/7 security, private waterfront parks with playgrounds and picnic shelters on beautiful sandy beaches, clubhouse with Pool and sports courts, many miles of paved low speed limit roads great for long walks. Lots of room to park a boat or RV and 260 sq. ft. tiny home on property with Kitchenette, 3/4 bath & living area, storage shed.

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5078 Fern Street

MLS #1977412 $529,000 Unique Property is located on the bluff above Cottonwood beach in Birch Bay. Private, picturesque setting featuring 1520sf home with 4 bedrooms & 1¾ baths. Detached, two-story, double-bay shop has 650sf lower level & 270sf upper level!! Just a block from miles of sandy beaches, walking promenade, & all recreational activities surrounding waterfront community. Perfect opportunity to remodel to make it your dream home, can build up to two stories.

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9125 Shearwater Road

MLS #2016107 $1,695,000 Newer northwest contemporary stunner in the sought after gated community of Boundary Ridge @ Semiahmoo, welcome to Shearwater Drive! All the ‘must have’ boxes are checked and then some: filtered ocean + sunset views, vaulted ceilings, open concept design, 3 primary suites (2 on the main floor + 1 downstairs), 3 car garage + private & generously sized backyard entertaining area. The fresh & modern finishes set this one apart...it’s been very lightly lived i!.

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8820 Wood Duck Way

MLS #1969453 $1,275,000 Stunning new construction home situated just off 2nd fairway at Semiahmoo. Views of golf course from the elevated backyard covered deck plus filtered views of Drayton Harbor & Canadian Mtns. Greatroom features vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace, hardwood flooring & lots of natural light w/doors to deck. High-end kitchen appl, wine fridge, oversized refrig/freezer, wall & walk-in pantries & large quartz island. Spacious primary bedrm with dramatic tile details in bathrm!

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9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy #B102

MLS #1966775 $1,195,000 Stunning Waterfront, Marin Condo, steps to the beach, overlooking Semiahmoo Bay & White Rock BC. Beautifully designed open concept condo w/luxury finishes throughout. Gourmet kitchen, SS appliances, granite counters, large island, and wine bar & dining area. Gorgeous living room with gas fireplace & water views. Radiant floors throughout. Step out to a large patio & steps to the beach. Primary bedroom with walk-in closet, granite counters, double sinks.

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All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsSecond floor, approx. ing in this newspaper is subject paper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of to the Federal Fair Housing Act 700 s.f. $1595. 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it Fiber illegal optic internet access. it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status Email: crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriprimobuilder@aol.com ination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers erence, limitation or discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in vi877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation formed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

O B I T U A RY

BCT to showcase holiday play

Norma Thomasson

February 14, 1931 – December 3, 2022

By Grace McCarthy Cute, fun and delightful are three words that come to mind when director Kevin Six thinks of Blaine Community Theater’s holiday performance, “Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir.” “The story is so cute and ridiculous, and the costumes are so cute,” Six said. “There’s Christmas carols in the play. Once we have an audience, it’s just going to be magic.” The two-hour play, with intermission, will grace Blaine High School’s Black Box Theater from Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 18. Written by Chicago playwright Zack Peercy, the show follows Jangle the Elf as he hones into his crime detective skills to find Santa’s (See Theater, page 15)

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s From l.; Donovan McDonald, Renee Scheib and Jacob Hall rehearse a scene in “Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir” in Blaine High School’s Black Box Theater on December 5. Photo by Grace McCarthy

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On December 3, 2022, Norma Thomasson, beloved mother, passed away at the age of 91. Born in Blaine to Kristiana (Loa) and Ingersoll Benedictson on February 14, 1931, she graduated from Blaine High School and moved to Seattle for business school. In Seattle, she worked in secretarial and administrative assistant positions, most recently for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association, from which she retired in the early 1990s. She built a life in Seattle with her husband, Egill Thomasson. They were married for 49 years until his death in 2003. Athletically inclined since childhood, she participated in softball and bowling leagues in her thirties and forties. In retirement, she moved back to Blaine where she enjoyed exploring her Icelandic heritage and was active in the Blaine Icelandic Heritage Society for several years, serving as the treasurer. She helped identify numerous unmarked graves of Icelandic settlers in the Blaine Cemetery and worked with her colleagues in the society to mark the graves. She traveled to Iceland several times and enjoyed connecting with relatives there. She enjoyed her family, pets and gardening and loved living in Blaine. She is survived by her daughters, Margret Amberson (Carl Amberson) and Linda Thomasson (Van Weigel). A service will be held on December 17, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street, Blaine, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church.

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

Coming up

Sheriff’s Reports Nov. 27, 8:19 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Boblett Road. Nov. 27, 9:21 a.m.: Vehicle recovery on Custer School Road, Custer. Nov. 27, 10:32 a.m.: Mental health on Surf Place. Nov. 28, 9:56 a.m.: Burglary on Lonicera Drive. Nov. 28, 11:29 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Masterson Road. Nov. 28, 12:21 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Arnie and Bruce roads. Nov. 28, 2:42 p.m.: Theft on West Badger Road, Custer. Nov. 28, 2:43 p.m.: Civil problem on Sunburst Drive. Nov. 28, 2:54 p.m.: Civil problem on Parkland Drive. Nov. 28, 3:09 p.m.: Assist citizen on Harborview Road. Nov. 28, 4:48 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Parkland Drive. Nov. 28, 5:03 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Sweet Road. Nov. 28, 8:03 p.m.: Death investigation on Birch Terrace Place, Custer. Nov. 28, 8:14 p.m.: Civil problem on Harborview Road. Nov. 28, 8:13 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Custer School Road, Custer. Nov. 29, 10:01 a.m.: Harassment on Sweet Road. Nov. 29, 11:18 a.m.: Trespass on Blaine and Loomis Trail roads. Nov. 29, 12:55 p.m.: Theft on Maple Street.

Nov. 29, 4:19 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden and Kickerville roads. Nov. 29, 4:24 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Portal Way. Nov. 29, 4:24 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Portal Way and Loomis Trail Road. Nov. 29, 5:14 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Main Street, Custer. Nov. 29, 5:24 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Shintaffer Road and Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 29, 5:48 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bruce Road, Custer. Nov. 29, 6:54 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Sehome Road.

Police Reports Nov. 18, 9:33 a.m.: Overdose on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 18, 9:44 p.m.: Felony assault on 2nd Street. Nov. 19, 9:56 p.m.: Trespass authorization letter on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 21, 6:26 p.m.: Found property on H Street. Nov. 22, 12:46 a.m.: Domestic violence fourth degree assault on 15th Street. Nov. 22, 12:46 a.m.: Obstructing a law enforcement officer on 15th Street. Nov. 22, 10:18 a.m.: Threats on H Street.

Crossword ACROSS 1. Product or __ (abbr.) 4. Zodiac sign 9. S. China seaport 14. Former OSS 15. Early English printer 16. Aphid genus 17. General’s assistant (abbr.) 18. Aussies 20. Dissuades 22. Make law 23. Drench 24. Soak in a liquid 28. Male child 29. It cools your home 30. Small constellation 31. To call (archaic) 33. Explores beneath the Earth 37. Commercial 38. W. hemisphere organization 39. You can find it in a can 41. “Land of the free” 42 36 inches 43. Footwear 44. Challenges 46. They hold things

Nov. 29, 8:08 p.m.: Hot rod on Birch Bay-Square Street. Nov. 29, 8:22 p.m.: Shots on Arnie Road, Custer. Nov. 29, 10:23 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 30, 4:09 a.m.: Drug sale on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 30, 12:36 p.m.: Mental health issue on Sweet Road. Nov. 30, 3:16 p.m.: Civil problem on Masterson Road. Nov. 30, 3:23 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Loft Lane. Dec. 1, 7:39 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Boone Road. Suspect arrested.

together 49. Of I 50. Partner to flow 51. Not connected by kinship 55. Worries 58. Garlic mayonnaise 59. A way to take by force 60. Legendary English rockers 64. Your consciousness of your own identity 65. Fencing swords 66. Silly 67. Actor DiCaprio 68. Encircles with a belt 69. Mails a message 70. Longing DOWN 1. Horse mackerels 2. It can be viral 3. Prickly plants 4. Consciousness 5. Type of sarcoma 6. Tax collector 7. Sun up in New York 8. One who scorches 9. Influential psycho-

therapist 10. Situated at an apex 11. Communicative 12. Forearm nerve 13. Former CIA 19. Folk singer DiFranco 21. Employee stock ownership plan 24. Large-scale 25. School environment 26. Remove 27. Male parents 31. Large rodent 32. Weighed down 34. Held tightly 35. __ route: going there 36. Explains again 40. Exclamation of surprise 41. Courteously 45. Lying down 47. Judge 48. Forcefully took 52. Loosely compacted sediment 53. High mountain 54. Portable conical tents 56. Cereal grass

Nov. 22, 5:36 p.m.: Domestic dispute on Runge Avenue. Nov. 23, 11 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Lincoln Lane. Nov. 24, 11:42 a.m.: Death investigation on Parkview Place. Nov. 24, 9 p.m.: Court order violation on 8th Street. Nov. 25, 11:39 p.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. Nov. 26, 7:41 a.m.: False alarm on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 26, 11:54 a.m.: Found property on Marine Drive. Report by Blaine Police Department

57. Dining utensil 59. Thoughtful 60. Helps you walk 61. Indicates near 62. Midway between northeast and east 63. Local area network ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

December 8-14 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE

TIME

Th 8

6:50 am

9.9

11:43 am

3:49 pm

8.8

11:34 pm -1.5

Fr 9

7:32 am 10.0 4:15 pm

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Su 11 12:42 am -1.1 2:19 pm

12:33 pm

HEIGHT

7.5

7.6

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Sa 10 12:08 am -1.4 1:23 pm

TIME

8:12 am 10.1 4:41 pm

Blaine Art Council: Thursday, December 8, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Barb Davis-Pyles will read one of her books and share how she got published. Let’s Make Presents!: Thursday, December 8, 3:15–4:15 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Kids come craft beautiful, meaningful gifts for your loved ones. Info: wcls.org. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 8, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Family Movie Night: Friday, December 9, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Watch a family-friendly holiday movie and enjoy hot chocolate, popcorn and maybe a visit from Santa himself. Free. Bring a chair or something comfortable to sit on. Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Hard Boiled Egg Nog: A Christmas Noir Performance: Friday and Saturday, December 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Sundays, December 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.Blaine High School Orange and Black Box Theater. Blaine Community Theater presents this tale of an aspiring elf detective named Jangle, who gets his big break when Santa is found murdered just days before Christmas. Info and tickets: blainecommunitytheater.com. Semiahmoo Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 10, 6 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Live music, hot beverages, scavenger hunt and a visit from the Grinch. Info: semiahmoo.com. Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 8 a.m.–noon, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, eggs, hap, coffee, tea, milk, orange juice. Cost: $8. Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, December 10, noon–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Info: 360/332-8040. Christmas Lunch with Santa: Saturday, December 10, 2–3.:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4850 Legion Drive. Kids enjoy face painting, coloring, take your own photos with Santa, caroling and gifts. Hot dog, chips and drink free for kids 12 and under, others by donation. Open to the public. Info: 360/371-7311. Holiday Book and Bake Sale Fundraiser: Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Birch Bay Community Library, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Get 2023 Birch Bay calendars, pick up reading material, stock up on sweet treats and donate to the Birch Bay Community building fund. Sponsored by Friends of Birch Bay Library. Lighted Christmas Stroll: Fridays, December 9 and 16, and Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 5-8 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Stroll around the cabins, see the park all lit up, hear Christmas music and see costumed volunteer greet you and feel the holiday cheer. Bring letters to Santa, free hot beverages and photo booth. Free. Sponsored by the Ferndale Heritage Society. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com. Winter Festival: Monday, December 12, 7–9 p.m., Blaine Middle School cafeteria. Family-friendly event includes festival music, games and refreshments. By donation. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Sponsored by Blaine High School Technology Student Association. Estrella’s Holiday Wish Performance: Saturday, December 17, 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Students of Day-to-Day Dance perform the story of Estrella the Gnome’s journey to elfhood where she learns it takes determination, trusted guidance and hard work to make wishes come true. $15 general admission under 2 free. Tickets at the door or online daytodaydance.com/events.

Tides HEIGHT

Holiday Festival of the Arts: Through December 24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., 1411 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. Sponsored by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Info: alliedarts.org.

8.2

8:52 am 10.0

Pacific Arts Association Christmas Party: Monday, December 19, 4:307 p.m., Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Enjoy live music by Blaine Harbor Music Festival’s Nick Biello and Charlie Porter and local talent plus corn hole and more. Refreshments. By donation. Also collecting nonperishable food for the Blaine Food Bank. Ring of Fire and Hope: Saturday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Celebrate the end of 2023 and enjoy watching Birch Bay encircled with red flares. This year, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is offering reusable LED flare available for purchase while supplies last and complimentary biodegradable flares available December 29 and 30 12–4 p.m., December 31, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 4819 Alderson Road, suite 103 and December 31 4–7 p.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info: birchbaychamber.com. New Year’s Eve at The Vault: Saturday, December 31, 4–10 p.m., 277 G Street. Five course tasting menu plus optional wine pairing and craft cocktails. Live music with the Jami Templeton band at 8 p.m. Reservations required at 360/392-0955.

7.5

5:03 pm

7.8

Mo 12 1:16 am -0.8

9:30 am

9.9

7.3

5:21 pm

7.4

Tu 13 1:52 am -0.2

10:08 am

9.8

40th Annual Polar Bear Plunge: Sunday, January 1, noon, along the Birch Bay waterfront. Warming tent will be available with on-site registration, costume contest and t-shirt sales at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info, preregistration and t-shirt preorders at birchbaychamber.com.

We 14 2:30 am

10:40 am

9.6

Ongoing

3:27 pm

0.4

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.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of November 21 to December 4, 0.2 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 30.7 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 44°F on December 4 with a low of 20°F on December 1 and 2. Average high was 34°F and average low was 25°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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 Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

December 8 - 14, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Theater ... From page 13

hat and save Christmas. Jangle, played by Renee Scheib, sees his dreams of being a detective come true after Santa is murdered. With workshop tools trad-

ed for a magnifying glass, Jangle gathers clues from Mrs. Claus, Jack Frost, Mabel the Yeti, reindeer, toy soldiers, snowmen and fellow elves. About 20 cast and crew have spent the past two months preparing for opening night, said Six, who will debut his directing skills

in the Pacific Northwest. Six, who’s been with the Blaine theater for four years, previously directed at local theaters in San Diego. The kid-friendly performance will have an interactive snowball fight with audience members in the first few rows, Six said. Hot chocolate and cookies will be

available during intermission for a small donation to Blaine Community Theater. Blaine actors will perform “Hard Boiled Eggnog” six times in mid-December. The Friday and Saturday performances will start 7 p.m. on December 9, December 10, December 16 and December 17. The Sunday matinee plays will start 2 p.m. December 11 and December 18. The $15 tickets are discounted to $12 for seniors, veterans and students. The theater is behind the Borderite stadium, at 1055 H Street. “The audience will be involved in a snowball fight. You get to see creatures. There’s a Yeti and reindeer. It’s all very exciting,” Six said. “And a good heavy dose of holiday magic.” For more information, visit blainecommunitytheater.com.

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s From l.; Dana Ruhl, Renee Scheib and Cynthia Ridings rehearse for Blaine Community Theater’s upcoming play, “Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir,” on December 5. The performance will debut 7 p.m. Friday, December 9 at Blaine High School’s Black Box Theater. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Pacific Pacific Pacific Arts Arts Market Market Market

Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village 2022 th th December 9 and 10 December 16th and 17th Friday and Saturday nights, 5 – 8pm

Free Admission

Enjoy the outside lights decorated by Ferndale Heritage Society members Only certified service animals allowed within all the fenced areas (Pioneer Village), per City Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3.

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THREE THREE THREEWEEKENDS WEEKENDS WEEKENDS WEEKENDS IN IN IN THREE THREE THREE WEEKENDS WEEKENDS IN IN IN DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER Friday Friday Friday-- Sunday -Sunday Sunday 10am 10am 10amtoto to6pm 6pm 6pm Friday Friday Friday-- Sunday -Sunday Sunday 10am 10am 10amtoto to6pm 6pm 6pm

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The Northern Light • December 8 - 14, 2022

County ... From page 5

council for public testimony. Council adopted separate ordinances to install stop signs at two intersections on Bay Road, at Kickerville and Valley View roads. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce funding Council granted the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce $130,000 to pay for the operations of the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center for 2023. An additional $10,000 was added to the contract to pay for the cost of renting port-a-potties that would better accommodate

the visiting public, according to the memorandum. The contract for 2022 was $110,000. BBWARM education and outreach funding Council passed an ordinance for the county to provide $93,000 to Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) for stormwater outreach assistance. BBWARM was created in 2007 in response to community concerns about water quality, flooding and loss of aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay watershed, according to its website. For more county council information, visit whatcom.legistar. com/calendar.aspx.

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Economy ... From page 10

are two consecutive quarters of declining GDP and labor market health. At the time, she said labor market health was strong, slightly indicating that recovery was on the horizon this summer. Washington’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October 2022 was 3.8 percent, according to ESD data, up a decimal point from September 2022’s revised rate. The October 2021 unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, and over 60,000 workers joined the state labor force in the past

year. In Whatcom County, the preliminary unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in October 2022. The revised rate for September 2022 was 3.9 percent. A year ago the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent. It reached a high of 17.4 percent in April 2020. Over the year, the labor force gained 445 workers, about 0.4 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in October 2022 and 4.6 percent in October 2021. Vance-Sherman said labor force participation is recovering but still taken a major hit since the pandemic. She said some of

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the lack of workers may be due to a large baby boomer generation retiring and being replaced by a much smaller population in Generation Z. One area of concern Vance-Sherman said is Washington’s childcare centers, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, which are shortstaffed and have been struggling to find workers since the pandemic. “We are continuing to see growth, but it is tapering off somewhat compared to early growth following the pandemic,” Vance-Sherman said about labor market growth.

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The Northern Light: December 8-14, 2022

Articles inside

BCT to debut holiday play

Whatcom County Council meeting roundup