The Northern Light: June 29-July 5, 2023

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Ocean Bay owners open in Bellingham, page 3

Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July expected to draw a crowd

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Blaine’s largest festival of the year is bringing back fan favorites to celebrate the Fourth of July, including a parade, car show and fireworks show.

Fourth of July will kick off in Blaine at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 with a pancake breakfast at Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. The breakfast will serve pancakes, breakfast burritos, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice. The breakfast is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and kids. The breakfast will have live music, decorations and food can be purchased to-go, senior center director Pete Nelson said.

The Show-N-Shine Car Show will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4th and Martin streets. The event is expected to attract over 200 vintage cars, lowriders and other vehicles. Check-in is 7-10 a.m., and judging and awards are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blaine Public Library will hold its annual July 4 book sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the library, 610 3rd Street.

The arts and crafts street fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the H Street and G Street plazas. The fair will have over 85 vendors selling woodworking, jewelry, soaps, pottery and other goods.

A kids zone will have a bounce house, train ride and games from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. near H and 4th streets.

The Fourth of July grand parade will take over Peace Portal Drive at noon. The parade route will go along Peace Portal Drive from Starbucks, on F Street, to Boblett Street.

Last year’s parade attracted 14,000 people, said Jacquee Sovereign, Blaine Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Sovereign recommended Blaine residents carpool, bike or walk into town because parking will be hard to find.

Live music will be played on H Street 1:30-5:30 p.m. by the Jim Buk Tu and Jimmy Wright bands. Silver City Band will also play at the car show.

Fireworks above Blaine Marine Park will end the festivities at 10:15 p.m.

The historic Plover passenger ferry will not be running between Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine Harbor as it is still undergoing restoration repairs. Blaine Police Department and

Wrong-way crash victims improving, page 3

Birch Bay Kite Festival photos, page 10

Splash Days provides summer entertainment

Bell Road overpass project receives $9.5 million in funding for study, design phase

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The city of Blaine was awarded $9.5 million to conduct a study and start the design process of its overpass project at the railroad crossing on Bell Road near its intersection with Peace Portal Drive.

“This is a major win for the city of Blaine,” city manager Michael Harmon said during the June 26 council meeting. “For all of our partners who live west of the intersection, this is a major public safety improvement.”

The funding comes from U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program in which Washington state secured nearly $133 million in infra-

t

structure funding, according to a June 22 press release from Murray’s office.

The $9.5 million will pay for 30 percent of design for the overpass project and Dakota Creek bridge replacement, but will not make the project shovel-ready, Harmon said. It also includes funding for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance process and right-of-way acquisition.

The city applied for the grant in February with the help of BNSF Railway. BNSF also provides a federally mandated 5 percent contribution to the cost of the project.

Harmon said the total project cost is expected to be around $85 million. He thanked BNSF and city staff as well as the federal, state

s Temperatures reached 70 degrees in time for the first Splash Days of the summer on June 23. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and the city of Blaine put on the event, allowing families to have a fun afternoon with sprinklers, an ice cream truck and other activities. See more photos on page 9.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Former Ocean Bay owners open Chinese restaurant in Bellingham

The former owners of Ocean Bay Chinese Restaurant have recently opened a restaurant in Bellingham. Husband-and-wife duo April Ma and Kevin He held a soft opening of Red Ginger Asian Cuisine, at 1208 E. Maple Street in Bellingham, in mid-June. Red Ginger is serving up some of Ocean Bay’s signature dishes, such as the orange chicken and Mongolian beef, while adding new items.

July 4 ...

From page 1

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue will be in attendance, Sovereign said.

The chamber is looking for volunteers to stage and judge the parade and judge the car show, Sovereign said. The deadline for volunteer sign-ups is Friday, June 30 and those interested should reach out to Sovereign at info@blainechamber. com or 360/332-6484.

Sovereign encouraged people planning on entering the parade or car show to sign up ahead of July 4 to help volunteers.

Firework regulations

In Blaine, consumer fireworks are banned west of Shintaffer Road, including all of Semiahmoo and Semiahmoo Spit. They are banned on public lands in Blaine such as city parks, Blaine Harbor and school areas. Fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 in all other parts of Blaine.

Fireworks are allowed in Birch

“It’s quite different,” Ma said of the menu. “It’s a really small kitchen so we took some things out and added some things.”

Ocean Bay closed its Blaine restaurant, at 1210 3rd Street, in March 2020 because their landlord wouldn’t renew the lease, according to previous reporting from The Northern Light. Ocean Bay gift cards can be used at Red Ginger, Ma said.

Ma said she wanted to thank Blaine residents who have already traveled to Bellingham to support Red Ginger. Red Ginger is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed Sunday. The restaurant, which offers dine-in and takeout, can be reached at 360/3068629 and on its website, redgingerbellingham.com.

Bay and other unincorporated areas of Whatcom County 6-11 p.m. July 3 and July 5 and from 6 p.m. to midnight on July 4.

Consumer fireworks sold at a state licensed and Whatcom County permitted stands are allowed in the county. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and rockets are only legal to possess and use on tribal lands. Fireworks purchased on a reservation must stay on the reservation.

Sky lanterns need to be tethered and controlled at all times if they are lit. For more information of Whatcom County firework regulations, visit the county’s website

at bit.ly/3XASxd9

Birch Bay cleanup

Volunteers will hand out bags to families celebrating the Fourth of July in Birch Bay, cleanup organizer Doralee Booth said. People are asked to take their trash but if they cannot, Booth said they should put it in a bag and set it by the trash.

Local organizations will team up for the annual July 5 Birch Bay beach cleanup running from 9 a.m. to noon. The cleanup will start at 7930 Birch Bay Drive and supplies and refreshments will be provided. Volunteers collected over four tons of garbage in 2022, Booth said.

Crash victims improving after seven sent to hospital in wrong-way Bellingham collision

Seven people, including two children, who were involved in a wrong-way crash on Guide Meridian have either been released from the hospital or are in satisfactory condition.

Aaron Dexter, 45, of Blaine, was driving northbound in the southbound lane of Guide Meridian Road, near Kelly Road, when he hit three vehicles driving southbound around 7:30 p.m. June 21, according to a Washington State Patrol (WSP) news release. Dexter had a 10-year-old female passenger and was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol while operating his black 2001 Mercedes, according to WSP. Both Dexter and the 10-yearold were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

A 65-year-old Bellingham man driving a 2019 GMC Sierra swerved to avoid hitting Dexter’s Mercedes but was sideswiped by the Mercedes. The GMC came to rest in a ditch and the man was sent to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.

A 22-year-old Lynden woman was driving with a 3-year-old passenger when Dexter’s vehicle hit her 2013 Kia Optima head on. Both the Lynden woman and the 3-year-old were sent to St. Joe’s.

Dexter’s vehicle continued the wrong way on Guide Meridian and struck a 19-year-old woman and her passenger, a 20-year-old Bellingham man, who were in a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The Nissan came to rest in the ditch and Dexter’s Mercedes caught on fire, according to WSP. The 19-year-old woman was sent to St. Joe’s and the 20-year-old man was sent to Harborview.

The crash victims were wearing their seatbelts, though the WSP release said it was unknown whether Dexter was wearing his seatbelt.

The four crash victims who were treated at St. Joe’s were

released, PeaceHealth spokesperson Beverly Mayhew said. Dexter and the 20-year-old Bellingham man were in satisfactory condition at Harborview and the 10-year-old girl was released from Harborview, spokesperson Susan Gregg said.

Dexter faces criminal charges for the collision that could include several counts of vehicular assault, WSP trooper Kelsey Harding said. Harding said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be considered. She added it was not yet known what Dexter had in his system at the time of the crash.

B y G race M c c arthy

s Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in 2022.

Photo by Louise Mugar

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.

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

Editorial Intern Madisun Tobisch prpintern@pointrobertspress.com

Creative Services

Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com

Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 3

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: July 6

Ads due: June 30

Mount Baker offers backdrop to Semiahmoo OpiniOn Letters

The Editor:

At least a couple of decades ago I was part of a downtown design committee under the planning commission that spent more than $10,000 on consultants. We met at least monthly for a couple of years. This was before the ultra-modern “Ken Kellar Memorial Building” (now city hall) was built. We even paid for professionally drawn designs of building facades with early 1900s fishing village themes. The design and zoning recommendations were thrown out due to a minor objection from somebody. It was likely due to

a developer’s objections to limitations for height and view preservation. The design process was started over again about a year later, hiring the same Bellevue consultant.

The developer vision for the west side of Peace Portal Drive is simply to build many high-end condos over expensive commercial space, leaving downtown Peace Portal Drive a mostly shadowed canyon. The sunset(s) in Blaine! A natural attraction, year-round, is worth preserving.

Don Starr Blaine

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. Special meeting at 12 p.m. Thursday, June 29 to hold an executive session for potential district positions and strategies in and related to water rights adjudications. Executive session for the purpose of considering pending or potential litigation.

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

The Editor:

We are happy to be sending to you this check to support The Northern Light . How fortunate for our community that you are here. Thank you for your excellent reporting.

Sarah C. Whitney Custer

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

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.

s Mount Baker looms over Drayton Harbor provides a picturesque backdrop to a summer evening on Semiahmoo Spit.

Photo by Molly Ernst

Blaine school board extends Granger’s contract

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Moratorium –

Manufactured Home Parks –Ordinance No. 23-2997

Blaine school board extended superintendent Christopher Granger’s contract to June 30, 2026 in a 4-1 vote during its June 20 regular meeting. Board member Erika Creydt voted against the motion.

Granger will receive an annual base salary of $208,273, according to the contract. His salary, however, is subject to an increase January 1, 2024 that reflects the mean salary of other local superintendents. He also receives a $5,000 stipend under the contract for having a doctorate degree, as do all employees with the same degree.

In November 2022, the board passed Granger’s annual performance evaluation as “more than” satisfactory and instructed board president Dougal Thomas and vice president Charles Gibson to bring a final contract recommendation to the board for consideration no later than May 22.

Gibson responded to a question Creydt posed on retroactively increasing Granger’s salary and said it’s standard protocol to retroactively increase the salary based on multiple other local districts’ superintendent salaries. The benchmark districts include Anacortes, Lakewood, Granite Falls, Mount Baker, Sultan and Lynden.

Granger’s last contract, which was passed also in a 4-1 vote during a May 23, 2022 meeting, applied the same adjustment. His salary in that contract prior to the adjustment was $201,230, making his new contract nearly a 3.4 percent raise.

However, according to Washington state data, Granger was paid $227,413 for the 2021/22 school year. He was paid $211,672 the year before.

Board member Don Leu said Granger’s salary increase over

the last three years has been less than the raises of other district employees.

“Frankly, in my time on the board, Dr. Granger has done that consistently for numerous reasons,” Thomas said, adding the district’s budget issues are the current reason.

“We’re really fortunate to have someone of your expertise at this salary,” Leu said. “I know superintendents and I know salaries … I think you’re underpaid.”

Notice is hereby given that the Blaine City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider Ordinance No. 23-2997 recently approved by the City Council imposing a moratorium on the filing, acceptance, and processing of new applications for any manufactured home parks. If confirmed, the moratorium would remain in effect until November 22nd, 2023. The public hearing will occur in the Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 , on July 10, 2023. The public hearing will also be held virtually via Zoom. Information on how to “attend” the City Council meeting virtually will be included on the agenda. If the location of the public hearing changes, it will be notified on the City Council meeting agenda. The agenda can be found on the City’s website on the Friday prior to the meeting.

All interested citizens are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding this proposal. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30pm on July 10, 2023, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

Samuel Crawford,Deputy City Manager/City Clerk

REGULATIONS FOR Fireworks in Blaine

• West Blaine: Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches.

• Blaine Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad.

• All public parks and public property in Blaine city limits excluding public streets outside West Blaine and Blaine Harbor areas.

“We are happy to be sending to you this check to support The Northern Light. How fortunate for our community that you are here. Thank you for your excellent reporting.”

- Sarah C. Whitney

B y I an h aupt

s Blaine school board president Dougal Thomas, l., and superintendent Christopher Granger at the June 20 school board meeting. The school board extended Granger’s contract to June 30, 2026 during the meeting.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Bell Road ...

From page 1 and local government workers who have helped with the project.

“The only way for this project to come to fruition is through a partnership of state and federal support as well as BNSF and other local agencies,” Harmon said in a phone interview.

The Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive intersection, which connects downtown Blaine to Birch Bay and Semiahmoo and offers access to I-5, causes delays for many commuters during rush hour and when a train is present. The angled street approach to the four-way stop often leaves drivers confused as to who has the right-of-way.

An overpass, also referred to as the grade separation project, was deemed too costly in 2020, so the city pursued adding streetlights and additional traffic lanes. But BNSF

officials monitoring the overpass project contacted the city in late 2022 to offer the city support.

Councilmember Mike Hill lauded councilmember Garth Baldwin, who Hill said had a connection that put the project into motion.

“I told him that if he pulled this off, I would have a statue made of him,” councilmember Rhyan Lopez said.

U.S. representative Rick Larsen said in a statement he heard about the project more than 20 years ago when he was a freshman member of Congress. Larsen is lead Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of Blaine’s RAISE grant application.

“I am excited this critical project is advancing to improve safety and accessibility, reduce congestion, create more jobs and keep the regional

s Cars in line at the Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive intersection in January 2021. The city of Blaine received $9.5 million in funding to start the design process of its $85-million grade separation project at the railroad crossing and intersection.

economy moving,” Larsen said.

A total of $7.5 billion was secured for RAISE, which Murray established in 2009, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Replacing at-grade crossings is so important for improving

Man arrested at Peace Arch border crossing after eluding law enforcement

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers apprehended a 30-year-old man June 18 who attempted to cross the border in a stolen car before fleeing on foot, Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper Kelsey Harding said.

A Seattle resident, 30, was booked into Whatcom County Jail June 18 and charged with second-degree assault of a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude a police vehicle.

Around 5 p.m. June 18, a WSP trooper responded to a theft at T.J. Maxx in Bellingham, according to the affidavit of probable cause (APC). What-Comm 911 Dispatch notified the trooper

Member of the Month

Rainy-Beach

Essentials

Becky & Larry Raney

360-318-3070

www.essentialsforlivingnw.com

Number of employees: We don’t have employees but a global team over 1400.

How long in business: Since June 2013.

Description of the business: Providing natural health solutions with essential oils, Becky is also a certified essential emotions coach.

How the business started: As former owners of Print & Copy Factory, 28 years of stress eventually wore Becky’s body down. After doctoring with gut issues to no avail, the only thing that helped was these essential oils and in a big way. Now we see people to help stop the suffering by providing simple solutions with products, education, resources of hope and healing.

Future goals: We just helped open the market in India, which was an incredible experience. Now, we see that we can bring essential oils to every home, globally, as people come to realize the amazing world of these very safe and effective products. We love showcasing our products at the Blaine by the Sea market most Saturdays. We are also helping TouchStone Counseling and their new center opening in Everson in August, focused on suicide prevention and youth resource center services.

that three suspects had arrived in a stolen white 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The trooper spotted and followed the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop by pinning the vehicle into a parking spot. While a passenger ran, the driver rammed the patrol vehicle and escaped.

Another WSP trooper pursued the Hyundai but a supervisor called off the pursuit for safety reasons. The vehicle accelerated to 120 mph and weaved in and out of traffic recklessly, according to the APC.

The vehicle ended up stopped in the Peace Arch border wait.

Harding said the driver attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended by CBSA.

Bellingham Police Department spokesperson Claudia Murphy said at this time it is unknown whether the passengers who fled the vehicle committed a crime.

“It’s great to have local agencies work together to apprehend the subject,” Harding said. “This was three agencies cooperating with each other.”

The man’s arraignment hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 30. He is being held on $50,000 appearance bond or $5,000 cash.

Artist Point road reopens

Mt. Baker Highway is now open to Artist Point.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced June 27 crews had finished four weeks of snow clearing on State Route 542 above Heather Meadows to Artist Point and that section of road would reopen June 28. The popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts typically opens late-June or early-July.

More than 650 vehicles a day travel to Artist Point when the highway is open, according to WSDOT.

“Huge shout out to our crews, who’ve been working hard since just after Memorial Day to get the road ready for reopening,” WSDOT wrote.

Artist Point offers 360-degree

views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and other mountains in the Cascades, making it a great place for a day trip.

Photo courtesy WSDOT

Photo by Ian Haupt safety and reducing traffic and pollution in communities across Washington state – this project is a big deal for the city of Blaine, and I’m thrilled I was able to help them secure this funding,” Murray said in a statement.

Semiahmoo Resort’s albacore tuna tacos

Light, refreshing and a taste of the ocean

The Semiahmoo Resort culinary team has an albacore tuna tacos recipe that will be sure to impress dinner guests. The tacos are assembled with a sweet ponzu and brown sugar ginger dressing that create a unique flavor combination.

Recipe as follows:

2 pounds albacore tuna (from one of our favorite markets … Lummi Seafood) cut into ¼-inch cubes

4 ounces thinly sliced radish

1 pack of wonton wrappers –

Cut a pack of wonton shells into circles and fry each one until a crispy disk is achieved. Set aside

on paper towels or on a resting rack until ready for use.

4 ounces seaweed salad

1 ounces sesame seeds

1 bunch cilantro

Sweet ponzu

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup mirin, sweet sake

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup sugar

½ cup yuzu juice

Combine, bring to a boil in a sauce pot.

Mix and whisk into boiling liquids until thickened and take off heat.

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoon water

Cool in the refrigerator until chill.

Brown sugar ginger dressing

3 tablespoons chopped ginger

1 bunch green onion

½ bunch cilantro

¼ cup brown sugar

6 tablespoons rice vinegar

½ cup tamari soy sauce

6 tablespoons sesame oil

½ cup olive pomace oil

Combine all but oils in a blender.

Blend until smooth and drizzle oil in until thickened.

To assemble:

Sprinkle radish evenly among wontons.

Toss albacore with ponzu and

divide evenly among the top of the wontons and radish.

Drizzle brown sugar ginger dressing on top of tuna.

Garnish with seaweed salad, sesame seeds and your favorite herbs, like cilantro.

This recipe also loves avocado and sliced green onions. Other types of tuna work as well.

Semiahmoo Resort offers dining options at Packers Kitchen + Bar, Great Blue Heron Grill and Seaview Café.

Photos courtesy Semiahmoo Resort

Splash Days kicks off summer vacation

Kids who recently started summer vacation ran, jumped and danced at Splash Days on June 23. The sprinklers will return to 3rd and Martin streets in downtown Blaine for the second Splash Days Friday, July 28.

Friday:

Saturday:

Photos by Ian Haupt

Birch Bay Kite Festival 2023

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce welcomed about 4,000 attendees to the Birch Bay Kite Festival June 24-25, chamber event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti said. The event provided a variety of entertainment, including free kites, a vendors market, lawn games and painting.

department before retiring. I worked in adult casework, juvenile investigations and ran the juvenile maximum-security unit for 14 years. It was rewarding work and I had an amazing team of professionals to work with. I lived in San Diego 62 years before moving here and decided that I didn’t want to cook, do housekeeping or maintenance. My daughter and I searched for a place where I had the freedom to enjoy my time as I wanted. The obvious answer for me was Solstice Senior Living in Bellingham.

Photos by Grace McCarthy, unless otherwise noted

Photo by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

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: June 15, 2023

Personal Representative: Robert Scott Elsner 610 E. 2nd Street Nooksack, WA 98276

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. 23-4-00565-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Kathleen Rogers, Deceased. NO. 234-00210-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones.

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First

Personal Representative:

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.

Any

having a claim against the dece-

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: June 15, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: June 22, 2023

Name of Personal Representative: TERRY PICKNELL

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: June 14, 2023.

Real Estate

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

8350 Grouse Crescent

MLS #2131233

$447,700

Estate Sale: Location, location. 8350 Grouse

Crescent built in 1988, 1237 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths with two- garage, all on one level. The homesite is a generous 8400 sq. ft and offers a nice private backyard. Terrific location away from the hustle and bustle on a very quiet street. 2-minute walk to the beach. Get your piece of Birch Bay now for down the road. Enjoy all the Birch Bay amenities including the State Park, New Birch Bay Berm walking path.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

8132 Quinault Road

MLS #2064042 $655,000

Stunning, updated and meticulously maintained single-story home in Birch Bay Village with 4 bedrooms including two primary bedrooms featuring ensuite bathrooms. This custom home is located at the top of the hill on a huge 10,865 sf lot. Perfect for entertaining with an open floor plan, spacious living room, second family room, dining room, large, fenced backyard, and huge deck. Loads of special features including breakfast bar, bay window, vaulted ceilings.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

8849 Goldeneye Lane

MLS #2076794 $1,395,000

Exquisite waterfront home on Turnberry Lake/pond gated community. Southern exposure & easy access to walking trails. Quality build, 4055 sq. ft. +/- extensive tile work, custom fir built-ins, & exceptional selections of granite & lighting finishes, natural gas, & central vac. Primary/ensuite on main floor with sauna. Great room concept with custom quality kitchen & office. Upstairs, there are two private guest en-suites & sizable bonus room above the garage.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

8140 Coquitlam Place

MLS #2065675 $825,000

Fantastic Cul-de-Sac Lakefront home with over 130’ of waterfront. Large sunny patio & expansive lakeside yard on Birch Bay Village’s Thunderbird Lake. Beautifully updated kitchen with open plan taking full advantage of view with large picture windows in Owners suite, Living & Family room. Enjoy Kayaking, bird watching, canoeing & paddle boarding right at property. Walking distance to miles of inland Pacific beaches & saltwater marina. All Birch Bay Village offers.

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

62 Eliza Island

MLS #2057617 $450,000

Own a piece of private island paradise at Eliza Island, boasting a 3-bedroom cabin with breathtaking views of sunrises, Canadian mountain ranges, and Bellingham Bay. The stunning wood exterior, tongue & groove ceiling & walls and vaulted ceilings complement the engineered hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy the propane stove, fridge, and solar/battery-powered inverter system. With no VRBOs/rentals allowed, Eliza Island is a private retreat. Tideland rights. Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951

8037 Chinook Way

MLS #2067030 $1,000,000

Beautiful Birch Bay Village custom w/ spectacular unobstructed panoramic view of Birch Bay, Mt. Baker, Cascades, & San Juans. Very high-quality construction & thoughtful, manageable floorplan at 2618 sq. ft. Oversized garage, natural gas furnace/hot water heater, & dual stove with gas burners, wired & heated 10’x16’ shop, impeccable grounds, entertainment sized patio, breathtaking deck facing Bay. Room for RV & boat w/hookups on reinforced drive.

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

3157 Creasey Road

MLS #2058804 $565,000

Must see, immaculate triple-wide manufactured home on a spacious lot with stunning southern facing views of the 3rd hole at Grandview Golf Course. Built with quality in mind, evident in every detail, and meticulously maintained. With 9-foot ceilings, the home is bright and airy, featuring a large primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Three bedrooms in total, and a den that could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom. The sale includes all the furniture. Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

5790

MLS #2130774 $529,000 Birch Bay Village home in pristine condition! The property borders a green belt with large undeveloped fields perfect for dogs. Home features 1462 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, gas forced-air heat, on-demand hot water. Great room concept with the master on one side of the home and guest bedrooms on the other. Vaulted ceilings in the Greatroom and kitchen. Oak hardwood floors. Tile in the entry, kitchen, and both bathrooms. Master has walk-in closet.

Jeff

Carrington 360-220-3224

4455 Castlerock Drive

MLS #2073566 $699,000

A real charmer @ The Greens! Exquisite & well cared for home has all main floor living with upstairs bonus room & wet bar that offers perfect blend of living space, comfort & luxury. Built by exceptional Red Sky Construction, attention to quality detail shows. Home features a sense of spaciousness, style, & PNW charm. Kitchen is culinary haven, featuring maple cabinets, bamboo floors, granite counters, & new stainlesssteel appliances. Excellent sun exposure. Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

5512 Canvasback Road

MLS #2129456 $1,250,000

Surrounded by water on a peninsula of land, with a beautiful marina nearby, sunlight facing southerly exposure, on the 17th green of a Jack Nicholas-designed golf course, this 3826 sq ft Semiahmoo home has it all. Many upgrades include a new furnace, red cedar decks, vertical grain fir patio doors, car enthusiast 3-car garage, with blue gravel flake epoxy flooring. Master Gardener designed the landscape with a Rain Bird sprinkling system to keep the landscape beautiful.

Lisa

Sprague 360-961-0838

BUILD YOUR DREAM

Birch Bay Drive

MLS #1933063 $299,000

MLS #2034711 $127,500

Enjoy this delightful, well-maintained park model, in the popular beachfront community of Leisure Park. This will be the most reasonable vacation property you will find in Birch Bay, from location to amenities & low cost. The peaceful neighborhood features open green space, a clubhouse, tennis courts, a playground, and outdoor pool. This 460 SF, 1BD, 1 BA well-maintained park model, carpeted covered deck, & storage shed. Facing east ensuring ample sunlight.

Jessica Bates 360-410-0900

Remarkable waterfront lot on Birch Bay. Build perfect vacation place or all-yearround home. Lot faces Southwest, with views of San Juan Islands to West, North Cascades to East. Water & sewer are available. Included interest in 300ft wide tide flats parcel on South side of Birch Bay Dr. 4255 West Road

MLS #2040701 $139,500

Wooded almost 1 acre lot just outside city limits. Included in price, Completed, & approved Reasonable use determination, septic design, comprehensive wetlands mitigation plan, storm water design, surveyed. Electrical & city water available & in street, all questions answered. No HOA restrictions.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

Tonya Wahl 541-707-0196

In re the Estate of: ALFRED S. CARLO, Deceased. No. 234-00605-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

Judge David E. Freeman

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:

14,

with Clerk of Court:

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Jane Beer, Deceased. NO. 23-4-0061537. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

All real estate/rentals advertis-

Salish Road

7704 Birch Bay Drive #49-4

Summer heats up along with residential water usage in Blaine and Birch Bay

The city of Blaine and the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District have once again teamed up to encourage summer water conservation.

The county-wide, voluntary Water Wisely Watering Schedule went into effect June 1 and will remain until September 15. The watering schedule breaks down water usage by weekday depending on a household’s address.

Households with even-numbered addresses are asked to limit watering days to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Those with odd-numbered addresses are encouraged to limit watering days to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

All households are asked to withhold outdoor watering on Mondays to allow the reservoir to

recover after high use during the weekend, according to the water and sewer district website.

Despite the three days of allotted watering per household, the city recommends using less – especially for turf grass, which needs about an inch of water a week to stay green and healthy.

According to the water and sewer district’s data collected from Blaine water wells, which supply the Birch Bay community as well, residents use an average of 19 million gallons of water per week in the summer months.

Water and sewer district general manager Dan Eisses said July 4 remains a peak of summer water use as people prepare for firework shows and lawn parties. Eisses said the celebrations on the bay get bigger every year.

The voluntary watering sched-

OBITUARY

Tommy Peter Ryser

ule was put in place to prioritize water for daily needs and emergencies before residential outdoor use. But, as drier summer conditions become apparent in the yellowing lawns, more residents turn to water as a means of keeping their yards lush.

According to the water and sewer district website, outdoor water use – the majority of which goes to lawns and gardens – makes up 30 percent of the overall residential average of total water usage. The Water Wisely Watering system’s best practice for water-conscious lawn management recommends letting the grass go dormant over the summer months and relying on rainfall to stay alive.

More information about the watering schedule can be found online at bbwsd.com/water-wisely-watering-schedule.

Experts warn: ‘Leave seal pups alone’

As the local harbor seal population enters its annual pupping season, experts urge beachgoers to steer clear of baby seals – even if they appear abandoned.

Mother seals give birth to one pup at a time and often leave their newborns on an empty shoreline while they forage for food for up to 24 hours, according to NOAA’s guidelines on viewing marine life.

The beach in the early morning looks much different than it does around noon, and if a mother seal returns to see on-lookers crowding her baby, she will not approach land, leaving the pup vulnerable to real abandonment.

Victoria Souze has been part of the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network since 2007, when the volunteer-based organization started. She and about 20 active volunteers respond to deceased and stranded sea mammals along almost 200 miles of coastline.

Souze said she’s seen everything from people taking photos with seal pups to putting them on paddleboards. Educating the public on the importance of leaving pups alone is a constant battle, she said.

The high volume of tourists drawn to local beaches means new people are hitting the shores every day, Souze said, adding the Fourth of July is the worst week of the season for seal abandonment.

The network previously responded to five abandoned pups on the holiday.

“We don’t want to send pups to rehab,” Souze said. “Wildlife belongs in the wild.”

The network falls under NOAA

jurisdiction and is under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Federal law requires marine mammal viewing to occur from a distance of at least 100 yards.

Souze urges anyone who sees a pup on shore to call the network’s hotline at 360/966-8845. The network will send responders to keep people away from the seal pup.

“My one thing is: Leave seal pups alone. Exclamation mark, exclamation mark,” she said.

September, 1955 – June, 2023

Tommy Peter Ryser – father, adventurer, and mechanic extraordinaire – passed away June 21, at the home of his former wife Allie, in Blaine, after a long illness. He was 67 years of age.

Tommy’s career as a much sought-after motorcycle mechanic began in childhood, when he used his self-taught skills to fine tune the high-end European bikes of older companions in his native Viña del Mar, on the beautiful Pacific coast of Chile. As a youngster he also repaired lamps for neighborhood housewives. A lifetime love of travel took hold around the same time, when he would use coins his grandmother gave him to buy a train ticket to carry him as far as the money would take him, and then find his way back home to plan his next trip. The biggest travel adventure of his youth was when he and his older sister escaped Chile’s early-1970s political turbulence by traveling alone from Argentina to Europe via steamship to live with family members in Switzerland.

Tommy’s lifelong passion for BMW motorcycles inspired him in his early 20s to ship his beloved BMW R50/2 across the Atlantic and drive it the length of Canada, to reunite with his mother who had remarried and acquired an 80-acre farm on the outskirts of Blaine. It was while living on the farm that he met the love of his life, Spokane native Allie, at a party in Blaine and they began their 40+ years together.

During their married life Tommy and Allie built a beautiful home on rural acreage, ran a successful business for 25 years (Foreign Auto Clinic, still going strong under its present owner), and, most importantly, raised two strong, intelligent sons who now have thriving families of their own. Tommy was an exemplary father, teaching his two sons the skills by which they would earn a living as adults.

Together, he and his oldest son Andrew, built an impressive network of skateboard/ BMX ramps on their property that attracted local youngsters years before Blaine had a skateboard park. Andy credits the experience with giving him valuable carpentry skills that have served him well in adulthood. Younger son, Nick, inherited his Dad’s passion for motorcycles and things mechanical and today owns one of Bellingham’s elite auto and van repair shops.

While building their family life, Allie and Tommy managed to keep the fires burning for their shared enthusiasm for motorcyling, taking countless trips together and with groups of friends. In their younger days they hosted a number of “Ryser Rallies” at their Valley View Road property, attracting their far-flung network of two-wheeler pals to Blaine, many of whom they had met on road trips.

The high point of Tommy’s biking career came in 1999 when he rode his BMW motorcycle from the Peace Arch all the way to his hometown of Viña del Mar, a six-month round-trip journey that he made with his good friend, the late James Luce. During his recent hospitalization, Tommy could be heard telling the nurses about his epic motorcycle trip to Chile and back.

Tommy had lived in Blaine for half a century and he will be greatly missed in the adopted hometown that he loved.

He is survived by his sons Andrew (Melody) and Nicholas (Becky), his mother Margot Chertude, brother Ron Ryser, four grandchildren and one step-grandchild. Tommy was predeceased by his father Kurt Ryser and his sister Janine.

A well-attended “Chilean wake” was held for Tommy last Friday and a celebration of his birthday is planned for mid-September. Remembrances may be made to Tommy’s favorite charity, Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

s Members of the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network rescued this harbor seal pup on June 24. It was abandoned by its mother after experiencing human interaction.

Photo courtesy Victoria Souze

sheriff’s repOrts

June 11, 9:48 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Twilight Place.

June 11, 7:55 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Arnie Road, Custer.

June 11, 8:02 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

June 11, 9:02 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Square Street.

June 12, 11:08 a.m.: Noise on Custer School Road, Custer.

June 12, 1:27 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Terrace Drive, Custer.

June 12, 4:06 p.m.: Theft on H Street Road.

June 13, 5:37 p.m.: Subject stop on West Badger Road, Custer.

June 14, 9:13 a.m.: Theft on Carson Road.

June 14, 10:23 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Twilight Place.

June 14, 11:42 a.m.: Drugs on Helweg Road.

June 14, 8:38 p.m.: Traffic stop on Alderson Road. Suspect arrested for suspended license.

June 15, 3:38 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Sandcastle Drive.

June 15, 3:53 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Square Street.

June 15, 7:01 p.m.: Trespass on Pheasant Drive.

June 16, 9:41 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

June 16, 10:27 a.m.: Fraud on Delta Line Road.

June 16, 12:53 p.m.: Sex crime (not rape) on Masterson Road.

June 16, 2:34 p.m.: Theft on Alderson Road.

June 16, 9:54 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Zell and Willeys Lake roads, Custer.

June 17, 10:59 a.m.: Burglary on Shintaffer Road.

June 17, 3:35 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Portal Way.

June 17, 3:37 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Grandview and Point Whitehorn roads.

June 17, 6:36 p.m.: Burglary on Cody Road.

June 17, 9:28 p.m.: Shots on Custer School Road, Custer.

June 18, 9:25 a.m.: Traffic stop on Harborview Road. Suspect arrested for suspended license.

June 18, 2:15 p.m.: Theft on Stein Road, Custer.

June 18, 7:15 p.m.: Vandalism on Clamdigger Drive.

June 18, 7:32 p.m.: Harassment on Bay Road.

June 19, 4:06 a.m.: Prowler on F Street.

June 19, 11:24 a.m.: Fraud on Delta Line Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

June 16, 3:09 p.m.: Drugs on H Street.

June 17, 4:18 p.m.: Domestic verbal on A Street.

June 18, 7:34 a.m.: Harassment on Alder Street.

June 18, 9:11 a.m.: Traffic problem on Peace Portal Drive.

June 18, 2:08 p.m.: Burglary on F Street.

June 18, 3:54 p.m.: Property found on H Street.

June 18, 6:45 p.m.: Domestic verbal on A Street.

June 18, 11:12 p.m.: Trouble with a shoplifter on D Street.

June 19, 12:22 a.m.: Traffic stop on H Street.

June 19, 2:10 a.m.: Mental health issue on Martin Street.

June 19, 11:25 a.m.: Harassment on Lexington Avenue.

June 19, 8:01 p.m.: Assist citizen

CrOssWOrd

9. Hospital worker (abbr.)

12. Nonsense (slang)

13. Town in Galilee

17. Value

19. Another name 20. Sheep in second year before shearing

21. Town in Surrey, England

25. Appropriate during a time of year

29. Creative output 31. Recesses

32. District in N. Germany

33. Rider of Rohan

35. The official emblem of the German Third Reich 38. One who puts down roots 41. Scribe 43. Painted a bright color

on H Street.

June 20, 10:21 a.m.: Vandalism on Martin Street.

June 20, 11:16 a.m.: Assist agency on 3rd Street.

June 20, 12:42 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Wood Duck Loop.

June 20, 1:19 p.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street.

June 21, 2:37 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Yew Avenue.

June 21, 3:25 p.m.: Follow-up on H Street.

June 21, 4:47 p.m.: Domestic physical on Adelia Street.

June 21, 5:05 p.m.: Domestic verbal on 3rd Street.

June 22, 6:42 p.m.: Vandalism on E Street.

June 22, 6:58 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Leighton Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Mondays and Thursdays, July 6–20, 6:30-7:30 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. Free. Learn financial management skills for a more secure financial future. For more info or to pre-register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream. org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Financial Empowerment for Teens: Monday–Thursday, July 24-27, 1-2 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. Free. Teens learn money management skills for a more secure financial future. For more info or to pre-register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Summer Reading Kickoff: Thursday, June 29, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Join us for this all-day kickoff celebration. We will be distributing Summer Reading books to all youth, and offering fun crafts for the whole family. Info: Wcls.org.

Night Market by the Sea: Wednesday, June 29, 5–9 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Find homemade crafts, photography, plants and planters, pottery, baked goods and more. Info: blainechamber.com.

Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, June 29, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Adrian Clarke. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Explore the Shore: Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s BP Heron Center. Get out on the beach with beach naturalists and explore the diverse creatures found here in Birch Bay.

Hunters of the Sky: Saturday, July 1, 6 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardis Raptor Center show off up to four different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, raptor’s role in the environment and much more. Please bring chairs.

Music in the Park: Sunday, July 2, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Enjoy music by local bank Soul Duck Hot Swing playing swing music in the hot club-style jazz. Bring a chair.

July 4th Pancake Breakfast: Tuesday, July 4, 8–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 263 G Street. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and juice bar. Adults $15, seniors and kids 12 and under $10. Gourmet breakfast burritos $10, available to-go. Raffle. Seatings at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Reservations suggested. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: Tuesday, July 4, downtown Blaine. Show-N-Shine car show, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; arts and crafts street fair 10 a.m.–5 p.m., parade at noon; live music 1:30–5:30 p.m.; fireworks at Marine Park at 10:15 p.m. Info: Blainebythesea.com.

Beach Walk: Tuesday, July 4, noon, meet at Birch Bay State Park’s BP Heron Center. Meet with beach naturalists to explore the beach’s many wonders.

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

Blaine Harbor Music Festival: July 9–15. Sunday, 7 p.m., Blaine High School black box theater (behind stadium) kick-off concert with Greta Matassa and Quartet plus faculty guest artists; Monday–Friday, noon, hour concerts on G Street Plaza; Tuesday, 7 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center, Blaine jazz faculty all-stars; Wednesday, 7 p.m., G Street Plaza, Rocking’ the plaza with an outdoor concert; Thursday, 7 p.m., outdoor pavilion at Semiahmoo Golf Resort, Swing Dance with a big band and special guests; Friday, 7 p.m. Blaine Performing Arts Center, student showcase; Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., G Street Plaza, Jazz-by-the-Sea music and arts street fair. Aside from Thursday’s swing dance, all concerts are free or by donation. Info: blaineharbormusicfestival.com.

Night Market by the Sea: Wednesday, July 12, 5–9 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Find homemade crafts, photography, plants and planters, pottery, baked goods and more. Info: blainechamber.com.

Community Trunk Sale Fundraiser: Saturday, July 15, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Northwood Chapel parking lot. Shop from car trunks and tents and support the mission trip to El Salvador. Interested sellers contact: Jennifer, 360/410-4946.

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 Bank: Fridays 2:30–4:30 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New 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.

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 Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of June 19-25, 0.2 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 yearto-date precipitation is 11.2 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 81°F on June 23 with a low of 49°F on June 19. Average high was 66°F and average low was

Blaine’s Market by the Sea: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Local vendors selling handcrafted merchandise. Vendor space available. Info: blainechamber.com.

Birch Bay Market: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., across from The C Shop, 4825 Alderson Road. Farmers market, home decor and gifts. Info: BirchBayMarket@gmail.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, July 21, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.

49. Member of a North American people

Type of computer

U.S. State (abbr.)

28 years ago, a newspaper was born...

Since June 16, 1995, The Northern Light newspaper has been the primary source for local news and events for the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community, proudly keeping our readers informed, engaged and connected, in print and online!

The Northern Light since June 1995...

• Number of issues published: 1,403

• Number of articles written: 28,694

• Number of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards received (since 2014): 250

• Number of Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo households receiving The Northern Light in their mailbox: 9,584*

• Total number of published and distributed copies of The Northern Light every week: 10,500*