The Northern Light: July 20-26, 2023

Jail measure on November

Petrogas could owe Whatcom County $15 million in taxes

B y I an H aupt

The Washington Supreme Court upheld an appellate court decision July 12 that could require Petrogas Pacific LLC to pay $15 million in taxes for Whatcom County.

Whatcom County assessor Rebecca Xczar told The Northern Light in an email that the ruling means Petrogas will now owe tax on the difference in value plus interest of the reduced amount it paid on property tax from 2016 to 2019. This will benefit all property owners in Whatcom County next year who have been paying more tax because Petrogas has been paying a reduced amount, Xczar said.

“I am very pleased to see this come to a final resolution,” Xczar said. “As there are still four more years of appeals outstanding, I am hopeful Petrogas will withdraw all or most of those appeals, as the issues raised are similar.”

The Washington State Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) grouped the appeals for 2016, 2017 and 2018 together to be heard as one case. The case was finally heard in 2021 and the BTA decided in favor of the assessor’s office for the 2017 and 2018 values and reduced the assessor’s value for 2016. Petrogas appealed this decision, and it went to the Court of Appeals in 2022.

The appellate court upheld BTA’s decision, and the state supreme court upheld the court’s decision following another Petrogas appeal.

AltaGas, the parent company of Petrogas, still has four more years of appeals outstanding and did not comment directly on the decision.

“We are aware of the ruling and are reviewing it at this time,” an AltaGas spokesperson told The Northern Light in an email.

Petrogas Pacific LLC and Petrogas West LLC own and operate a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal and wharf at Cherry Point near Ferndale. Petrogas acquired the terminal from Chevron for $242 million in May 2014 and the wharf from Intalco Aluminum for $122 million in September 2016, according to the lawsuit.

The terminal is connected to two local

(See Petrogas, page 2)

Blaine’s 2023 general fund above projections

Budget trends show $200,000 deficit opposed to $1 million, finance director says

The city of Blaine is on track to use significantly fewer reserves after losing four staff positions that haven’t been refilled and improving sales tax revenue.

City finance director Daniel Heverling said the city will spend about $150,000 of its reserves, instead of the $950,000 it anticipated using for the 2023 budget, if midway budget trends continue through the end of the year. This will allow the city to keep $700,000 it would have spent of its $4 million reserve.

City staff approved a conservative 2023 budget last fall that would have resulted in a nearly $1 million deficit

in the general fund. The deficit came as the city’s revenue, impacted by the fallout of the U.S./Canada border closure, didn’t keep pace with high inflation and increased staff salaries. The city also no longer receives the Covid-19 stimulus funds that kept the budget balanced during the pandemic.

“Long term, we either need to bring more revenue to the city or there’s got to be a way to cut expenses,” Heverling said.

The general fund pays for daily government operations and is often the most difficult to balance because it relies

(See Budget, page 2)

s Ragnar Northwest Passage races set out from Peace Arch Historical State Park on July 14 for the 200-mile, 12-leg running relay race from Blaine to Langley on south Whidbey Island.

Photo by Ian Haupt

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Budget ...

From page 1

on tax revenues that need voter approval to increase. Stagnant sales, property and utility taxes largely support the general fund; higher employee costs totaled over 60 percent of expenses in the 2023 general fund. Inflation was up 8 to 10 percent in 2022, when the budget was configured, compared to 1 percent in 2019, according to

Fund Your Home Projects, Purchases, Education, or Debt Consolidation

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consumer price index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Seattle area. Heverling said he expects inflation, at 4.6 percent in June, to remain around 4 percent next year.

The lower-than-anticipated expenses are mostly the result of the city having four staff vacancies, Heverling said. The staff vacancies are in the police, planning and IT departments.

The city is also seeing growing sales tax revenues that are expected to be $100,000 higher than the $1.9 million originally budgeted. For comparison, the city budgeted $1.8 million in sales tax in 2019.

Heverling attributed the higher revenue to more tourists, as the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee’s funds were at an all-time high in 2022, along with more people moving to east Blaine.

“It seems like, in general, there are more people who are starting to shop in the area,” Heverling said. “There are more people coming across the border. It’s an increase from postCovid to normal.”

The gas tax is doing better than expected but was budgeted conservatively. The gas tax is predicted to come in at $60,000, which is $10,000 higher than the $50,000 budgeted.

Petrogas ...

From page 1

refineries and can export and import up to 30,000 barrels a day via rail, truck and pipeline.

Xczar said Petrogas has appealed its assessed values every year since 2016 and only paid tax on what they stated the property was worth since the appeals started.

JUST

LISTED!

“That sounds great but a $50,000 budget is bad,” Heverling said. “It’s been above $100,000 previously.”

In March, Heverling told The Northern Light that he was afraid the city would deplete its reserves by 2026 if it kept the pace it was going with expenses outweighing revenue. Staff vacancies and increased sales tax have tamed these concerns now that the city will save over one-quarter of its $4 million reserves.

“I would say the risk has been eliminated,” Heverling said. “The risk of us using all reserves in 2026 is very slim now.”

The 2023 budget totaled $75 million and prioritized economic development, parks and facilities maintenance, transportation and utility infrastructure. While remaining close to the 2022 budget, it aimed to fund professional services cut during the pandemic. None of those additional positions, such as an administrative coordinator for the planning department and police detective, have been added, Heverling said.

City department heads are preparing for the 2024 budget, and the city will begin formally looking at the budget in September, a month earlier than usual.

$15 million through 2023.

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Petrogas has more appeals for tax years 2019 to 2023, which Xczar said it will likely owe back taxes for those years as well. Xczar said Petrogas owes over $8.2 million for tax years 2016-2017 through 2018-2019 and is expected to owe a total of

In January, Petrogas agreed to pay $4 million and make operational changes to its Cherry Point facility after the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) alleged that the facility had undertaken projects without obtaining required permits and reporting emissions, according to previous reporting by The Northern Light. Whatcom County and Petrogas agreed on a permitting pathway in March for the terminal to obtain the permits it failed to and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

AltaGas took full-ownership of Petrogas in July 2022.

Birch Bay gated community. Private beaches, parks, marina, golf, pool and so much more. New 1,000 sq.ft. Timber Tech deck, mature landscaping, fully fenced backyard, tons of storage, plus room for RV/boat parking. Stroll 1.5 blocks to the beach!

Whatcom County Council places jail tax measure on November ballot

B y I an H aupt

Whatcom County Council voted 5-0 during its July 11 regular meeting to place a local sales and use tax of 0.2 percent, or 20 cents for every $100, on the November general election ballot to fund construction of a new

county jail and support services.

Councilmember Todd Donovan abstained and councilmember

Kathy Kershner was absent.

Council decided during a June 13 special committee of the whole meeting that the new jail will be built on La Bounty Drive in Ferndale if its funding is ap-

proved by voters. Two other locations were considered.

The new jail is estimated to cost $137 million and expected to take three years to build. The remaining funds would pay for improved behavioral health services, diversion programs, supportive housing and re-entry for those released from jail.

Volunteers needed for Sand Sculpture Contest, Rollback Weekend

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for the upcoming Sand Sculpture Competition and Rollback Weekend activities on Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30.

Chamber event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti said volunteer numbers have dipped in recent years, adding people seem to be busier than ever with their daily lives.

“These events wouldn’t happen without volunteers,” he said.

Those interested are encouraged to visit the chamber’s volunteer registration pages for both the Sand Sculpture Competition

and the Rollback Car Show.

Sign-ups are two-hour time slots for various roles such as volunteering at the beer garden, visitor kiosks or golf cart shuttle.

Registration is also available for set-up or take-down on either day. For more information, visit the chamber website at birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-events.

s Birch Bay’s Rollback Weekend in 2022.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

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

Intern Madisun Tobisch prpintern@pointrobertspress.com

Creative Services

Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com

Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com

Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com

General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

Contributors In This Issue

Doug Dahl

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 6

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: July 27

Ads due: July 21

Ragnar runners dash from starting line OpiniOn Letters

The Editor: Did you know Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Paratransit is now serving all of Blaine?

This means if you are unable to drive, but have appointments or would like to shop in Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, etc. you can request door-to-door service for $1 per ride. To apply and get more information see below:

Paratransit reservations: 360/733-1144

Reservation hours:

Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holidays: Leave a message

To cancel a ride, call any time during customer service hours.

Customer service hours:

Monday to Friday: 5:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Laura Lucas

Blaine

Editor’s note: WTA’s Route 75 provides service to centrally located areas in Blaine and Birch Bay Monday through Saturday. WTA offers paratransit service to Semiahmoo and east Blaine on Mondays and Thursdays and service to south Birch Bay on Tuesdays and Fridays by reservation.

The Editor:

Noticing the new sign on the former Wild Bird thrift store saying future home of Christ the King church, I wondered why a nonretail use is allowed in the heart of the tourism retail area between the plazas. After years of special downtown recovery committees and consultants working with the

Blaine Community Development Services (CDS) office, it is astounding that no one ever recommended making zoning consistent with Blaine’s goals and investments.

The block between the plazas was intended to be the economic generator. The zoning oversight by CDS that allowed an incompatible use there thwarts years of planning.

Jay Taber Blaine

The Editor: This month, on Drayton Harbor Road near Semiahmoo, a baby fawn was killed and flattened by a vehicle. The doe mother remained traumatized in jeopardy and panic, pacing nervously, trying to somehow save her dead fawn. I called 911 and eventually the dead fawn was cleared. It was horrific and unforgettable.

Shockingly, within a week, in the other direction, there was another baby fawn severely wounded by a hit-and-run driver. Its legs were fractured, and it was suffering, crawling around the road, not able to get under the railing. The mother doe was also there traumatized and panicking. We called authorities, and after about 30 minutes, euthanasia was the required resolution.

Meanwhile, a bald eagle, our national bird, was also recently mortally wounded and slowly suffered to death there. It must be the same eagle currently missing from its usual perch.

All incidents occurred on the same stretch of Drayton Harbor Road where a safer 25 mph speed limit suddenly and in-

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 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.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.,

consistently ramps to 35 mph, not making sense. This results in drivers travelling 40 mph and even faster. Deer or wildlife crossing signs are also missing.

This has resulted in threats and death to other wildlife, including but not limited to bunnies, squirrels, birds and parenting geese navigating newly hatched goslings to safety. Human walkers, joggers and drivers are at risk too. Long metal railing stretches are difficult for baby fawns to navigate around with their mothers. They can’t maneuver under and panic seeing fast approaching vehicles. They just lie on the road and don’t have a chance.

We must take action before populations become decimated, and we ruin our ecosystem. These animals are our neighbors, and we’re not protecting them or us enough. Loss of life has been excessive. We need appropriate and consistent speed limits, self-monitoring speed signs, and installation of multiple wildlife crossing signs on the road(s) approaching Semiahmoo Spit.

If you support this action, please share your views with the Blaine City Council and other community associations to protect all local lives, regardless of their number of legs, or wing feathers.

Michael Givot Semiahmoo

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

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 Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage racers ran from the starting line at Peace Arch Historical State Park on July 14. The annual twoday, 200-mile race course ends in Langley on south Whidbey Island. Registration is now open for the 2024 race, which will be held July 12-13. For more information, visit runragnar.com.

Photo by Ian Haupt

WCLS offering a calendar full of summer events

Hang out with dogs, play jazz, make a birdhouse – all at the library

B y M ad I sun t o BI sc H

The Whatcom County Library System’s (WCLS) summer schedule is packed with community events for Blaine and Birch Bay. The library system is also highlighting two countywide programs that include a new jazz concert series called Whatcom Grooves and a tree-planting program.

Friends of Library groups will put on Whatcom Grooves, a threeshow jazz concert series held in different venues. Friends of Blaine Library will host the final concert, The Jazz Explosion, on Saturday, August 19 at the Blaine Performing Arts Center. Led by Jerry Steinhilber, the large ensemble will feature multiple Pacific Northwest jazz musicians. For information on all three shows, visit the WCLS website at bit.ly/43isJDU.

Accompanying Whatcom Grooves, WCLS will host two junior groove sessions in August to teach elementary school kids about jazz music and let them create their own tunes. The Friday, August 18 class will be at the Blaine Library. Registration is not required.

The WCLS Summer Reading program will turn books back into trees by partnering with Whatcom County Library Foundation, the Whatcom Million Trees Project and BECU.

From now until August 31, readers of all ages can stop by any WCLS branch and pick up a summer reading card that lists activities to earn “leaves.” For every 25 leaves the community earns,

WCLS and its partners promise to plant a tree.

The program kicked off on June 1 with a goal of 200 trees. As of July 12, the county has earned 4,043 leaves, which equals 162 trees, according to the Summer Reading website.

Blaine summer library events

The Blaine Public Library, at 610 3rd Street, opens at 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The library closes at 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 6 p.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 360/305-3637.

Storytime for ages 2-6: Wednesday, July 26, 10:30-11 a.m.

Dog Behavior Improvement Workshop (Part 2): Saturday, July 22, 2-4 p.m. A hands-on workshop led by dog behaviorist Lawrence Pang that practices the techniques from the first session earlier in July.

Make It: Bird Feeders: Thursday, July 27, 1 p.m. Materials provided. For grades K-5.

Nobody Likes Frogs Storytime with Author Barbara Davis-Pyles: Thursday, August 3, 1 p.m. Caring for Seniors (Part 1): Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. A two-part seminar for seniors and their support networks about navigating aging.

Dog Day Afternoons: Tuesday, August 15 and August 22, 1 p.m. Partnership with the Whatcom Humane Society to bring readers and dogs together.

Registration required.

Junior Groove: Jazz for Kids: Friday, August 18, 4 p.m. Dive into the history of jazz and create music at

this interactive seminar led by Bellingham drummer Jerry Steinhilber.

Caring for Seniors (Part 2): Saturday, August 19, 2 p.m.

Friends of the Library Summer Jazz Series, “The Jazz Explosion:” Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m. at Blaine Performing Arts Center.

Recurring events

Moving Together: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. All ages walking group.

Tech Help Hour: Tuesdays, 5 p.m. and Thursdays, 1 p.m. Tech help by appointment or drop in.

What We’re Enjoying: First Mondays of the month, 4 p.m. Discussion group that shares books, movies, games and podcast recommendations.

Got Game? Board Game Club: Second Mondays of the month, 6 p.m. Focuses on non-competitive, entry-level games.

Friends of the Blaine Library: Third Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Books and Bites Book Club: Third Fridays of the month, 1 p.m. “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” (July 21) and “Sea of Tranquility” (August 18). Birch Bay summer library events

The Birch Bay Library Bookmobile Stop, located at 7948 Birch Bay Drive, is open 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays. The future Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, at the same address, will host WCLS’ summer events.

Summer book sale and muffin fundraiser at Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition: Saturday, July 29, breakfast 7-9:30 a.m. and book sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

End of summer book sale and

Golf tournament brings teams from both sides of border to Semiahmoo

U.S. and Canadian Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club members will compete in the annual Peace Arch Cup at the club Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22.

The Peace Arch Cup is a team golf competition played in a couple of different formats with play-

ers earning points for their team by getting the lowest scores on holes and in matches, said Matt Combs of the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club pro shop.

Teams are made up of 12 players and the team with the most points wins. Last year, Canada won. All 24 competitors are mem-

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

THE CITY OF BLAINE IS CURRENTLY SEEKING MEMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING BOARD, COMMITTEE, OR COMMISSION:

PARK AND CEMETERY BOARD

REGULARLY MEETS AT 9:00 AM ON THE SECOND THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF FOUR POSITIONS TO BE FILLED WITH TERM ENDING 12/2026

Members of boards, committees and commissions receive no financial compensation, but the payoff is great. Members meet other residents with similar interests, they learn about the City, and they help shape the future of Blaine!

Being on a board, committee or commission does require a significant personal commitment, so applicants should consider their ability to commit their time and personal energy before applying.

If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, applications and descriptions of duties are available online at www.cityofblaine.com. Positions will remain open until filled. Per Blaine Municipal Code (BMC) 2.08.028, concurrent service on more than one board or commission is precluded.

bers of Semiahmoo. The U.S. captain is Mark Deebach and Canadian captain is Jim Lightbody. Combs said the top eight golfers from each side of the border qualify to make up the teams while the remaining three on each team are the captains’ picks.

breakfast fundraiser: Saturday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and breakfast 9:30-11 a.m.

Paint Night with Doug Parent: $50, proceeds go toward library funding, Saturday, August 12, 5-7 p.m.

Recurring events

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Second Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m.

Book sale and meet-and-greet: Wednesdays, through August 30, 3-6 p.m.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

THE CITY OF BLAINE IS CURRENTLY SEEKING A MEMBER FOR THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION:

Planning Commission

REGULARLY MEETS ON THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH. ONE POSITION TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023

If you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission, applications and descriptions of duties are available online at www.cityofblaine.com.

s The Blaine Library's Make It: Sun Catchers program on July 13. Photo courtesy WCLS

Blaine man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, vehicle theft

B y G race M c c art H y

A 31-year-old Blaine man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and vehicle theft after stealing a vehicle with a teenage girl in it and driving for several blocks.

Travis Kay Parke was booked into Whatcom County Jail on July 13 for kidnapping in the second-degree, theft of a motor vehicle and sec-

ond-degree vehicle prowl. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies were dispatched to the 4500 block of Hall Road at about 3:50 p.m. July 13 after a woman called to say her red Nissan was stolen and her 15-year-old daughter was in the front seat. The Nissan was driven for several blocks until the man, later identified as Parke, got out and left on foot, accord-

ing to the affidavit of probable cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.

A man then called to report Parke attempting to enter his gold Chrysler minivan before Parke began running northbound on Blaine Road, where he was arrested, according to the affidavit.

As of July 18, Parke remains in jail on a $15,000 appearance bond.

Blaine woman sentenced to parole for theft, eluding police and jail staff

B y I an H aupt

A Blaine woman who rammed a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) patrol car in a stolen vehicle in an attempt to

elude law enforcement and later attempted to escape from Whatcom County Jail will serve 12 years of parole.

Jessica A. Shockey, 28, of Blaine, pleaded guilty June 22 to two counts of third-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree escape, first-degree identity theft and second-degree theft. Shockey was ordered to serve 24 months on parole for each charge.

According to court documents, Shockey will be placed under state Department of Corrections supervision to follow a residential chemical dependency treatment-based alternative sentence for 12 years. Shockey will be required to not consume alcohol and controlled substances, including marijuana, without a valid prescription while also participating in counseling services

and parenting classes. She will also undergo treatment evaluations and be required to notify a corrections officer of any change in address or employment.

Shockey rammed a WCSO deputy patrol car and fled in April 2022 when deputies attempted to contact her while stopped in a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Slater Road and Haxton Way. Spike strips were later used to stop the vehicle Shockey was driving and take her into custody.

In May 2022, Shockey walked away from a scheduled medical appointment after being temporarily released from Whatcom County Jail to visit a medical facility, according to previous reporting by The Northern Light . Deputies arrested Shockey and a man who gave her a ride from the appointment the next day.

I spent 30 years in that 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.

Birch Bay sign now a nostalgic piece at The Beach at Birch Bay

B y I an H aupt

Longtime Blaine and Birch Bay residents will recognize new décor at The Beach at Birch Bay. The longstanding, yellow arrow “Birch Bay” sign that used to be at Peace Portal Drive just north of the Bell Road intersection is now mounted on the north wall of the bar’s patio area.

Randall Sheriff, co-owner of The Beach at Birch Bay, said he worked out a deal with the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce for the sign that only required him paying to take it down. Chamber event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti said the chamber still owns the sign but did not know the reason for it being taken down.

The Birch Bay Resort Association purchased the sign before the mid-1970s, which was when the association became the chamber of commerce. Sheriff said he remembers seeing the sign in the 1960s, when his parents used to take him up to Birch Bay as a kid.

“It’s a piece of nostalgia,” Sheriff said. “As we find things, we like to keep the past of Birch Bay involved [at The Beach].”

Sheriff said he has lived in Birch Bay for nearly 20 years and opened The Beach eight years ago.

Between the chamber and Sheriff, little is known about the sign’s history and origin.

Sheriff said he is trying to find out more information about the sign – like who made it and when – to put on a commemorative plaque at The Beach. The bar hosted around

600 people for live music last weekend, he said, and the sign was a conversation piece.

Sheriff said he might move the sign onto the roof of Beach Cat Brewing, which is also part of The Beach’s building, to make it visible to traffic on Birch Bay Drive.

s The old Birch Bay sign that used to be at the intersection of Peace Portal Drive and Bell Road is now at The Beach at Birch Bay, 7876 Birch Bay Drive.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Blaine Harbor Music Festival 2023

Blaine Harbor Music Festival put on a week of world-class concerts around Blaine July 9-15. Concert highlights included the Rockin’ the G Street

Plaza on July 12, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club Big Band swing dance on July 13 and Jazz-by-the-Sea street fair on July 15.

Photo by Robin Templeton

Photo by Robin Templeton

Photo by Robin Templeton

Photo by Robin Templeton

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

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Ferndale Peoples Bank • 1895 Main St • Ferndale, WA 98248

Q: How accurate is my Zillow Zestimate?

A: While online valuation estimates can be helpful, their accuracy is limited. Websites like Zillow rely mostly on tax assessor data and factors like distance to a Starbucks (really). Without a proper physical inspection of the property, these estimates have a median margin of error of 6.7% in Washington, translating to a $36,000 inaccuracy for the average Birch Bay or Blaine home. To obtain a more reliable value, it's recommended to hire a real estate appraiser or ask your realtor for a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A professional will have a deeper understanding of the local market and consider specific property characteristics and recent comparable sales, providing a more accurate valuation. By seeking professional assistance, you can make better-informed decisions regarding your property's value, whether it's for selling, refinancing, or other real estate endeavors.

Deka Wiebusch CFP® AIF® CRPC® FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Blaine Cordata Lynden Ferndale Barkley

Jordan Crim, DPT Physical Therapist

Text-to-911 service now statewide

B y M ad I sun t o BI sc H

Washington Emergency Management Division recently rolled out Text-to-911 services statewide, after offering them in Whatcom County since 2021.

The service allows people who

are deaf, have auditory or speech differences, or are in unsafe situations, to send a text to “911” from their standard messaging app to request emergency services.

Calling 911 remains the fastest way to dispatch help to a scene, according to an Emergency Man-

agement Division website.

The nationwide standard for deciding how to contact emergency services is, “Call if you can, text if you can’t,” according to the Emergency Management Division.

Those using Text-to-911 services should relay their specific

location and the type of emergency service needed in the first message. The sender should stay near their phone to wait for follow-up messages.

The Emergency Management Division recommends turning the phone’s ringer and volume off in situations where the sender needs to remain silent.

Beginning in winter, the service will transition from the SMS messaging model, where a text is received after the texter hits send, to real-time-text technol-

ogy, which allows dispatchers to receive the message character-by-character as it is typed out.

As of now, Text-to-911 can send and receive messages with text. Photos, videos and emoji are not transmittable. Text messages to 911 must be in English as translation is not available. The website also noted group messages including the 911 line will not be sent through to a dispatcher.

The service, which began June 30, was paid for with funds from an existing phone service fee.

Signs of osteoarthritis in dogs

Canines can feel the effects of osteoarthritis (OA), just like their human companions. In fact, OA is a common ailment found in older dogs as well as some larger breeds that are genetically prone to developing arthritis.

OA is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressively worsening inflammation of the joints caused by the deterioration of cartilage. While there is no cure for OA, identifying the condition as early as possible can improve the quality of a dog’s life and keep the animal active for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect OA in dogs in its early stages.

Here are some signs of OA, courtesy of VCA Animal Hos-

pitals and the American Kennel Club.

• Stiffness in the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees, where OA is found most often.

• Difficulty getting up and down.

• Lameness in one or more legs.

• Yelping when touched, as inflammation can cause affected areas to be sensitive.

• Irritability in a normally easygoing pet. Dogs may snap or bite when someone tries to touch them or become defensive around other dogs.

• Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, which may

cause pets to have accidents in the house.

• Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine.

• Fatigue and loss of interest in activities.

• Licking, chewing or biting at painful spots, which can cause hair loss and inflamed skin in the affected area.

If pet owners suspect their dogs are experiencing osteoarthritis, they should reach out to their veterinarians right away to find out what can be done to help the animals feel more comfortable.

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DATE: Mon, July 24, Tue, July 25 & Fri, July 28

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: CURTISS EDWARD PICKENS and CAROLE LYNN PICKENS, Deceased.

Probate No. 23-4-00636-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: David Freeman

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

1. Date of filing copy of Notice to Creditors: June 23, 2023.

2. Date of first publication: July 6, 2023.

Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688 Lynden, WA 98264-0688

Personal Representative: SHELIAH WITHROW

TEL (360) 354-5021 ELM Keith@Bode.net

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of:

ARDITH J. STARK, Deceased. No. 234-00664-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

Judge David E. Freeman.

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:

July 20, 2023

Personal Representative: DENA L. SKALIN, 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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Ronald Alvin Secor, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00634-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE:

Lee Grochmal

PT CO-MANAGER needed year-round for well-established, small business in Custer. Thurs-Sat 9-5:30, $16/hr. $17/ hr. plus monthly bonus after 90 days. For job description call 360-366-3153 or email peacearchstorage@gmail.com.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: WILLIAM R. FLEISCHER, Deceased. No. 234-00691-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claPims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

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

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:

June 30, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

July 6, 2023

Name of Administrator:

RENEE E. STARK

Attorney for Administrators:

Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: June 30, 2023

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator:

RENEE E. STARK

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

Date of First Publication: July 6, 2023

Personal Representative: Pamela M. Potter 317 N Park Ridge Road Bloomington, IN 47408

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service:

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race,

Road Rules: Earplugs while driving

Lucille Marie Browning

September 1, 1950 – July, 3 2023

In loving memory of Lucille, we announce she, a daughter of the Most High Jesus Christ continued into eternity with Christ our King on July 3, after a seven year battle with lung disease. She was a remarkable wife and lifelong friend to Les Browning, her partner of 27 years. They were married at Whatcom Falls, September 28, 2001. She was born Lucille Talley on September 1, 1950 to her loving parents Mary (Altum) & Robert E. Tally at St. Paul’s in Livermore, CA. She was an incredible woman who’s life was defined by compassion, strength, and unwavering support for her loved ones.

Lucille grew up in Pleasanton, CA. Lucille and the Talley Family settled in Livermore, California in 1966. She graduated from the prestigious Heald Business College, showcasing her determination and commitment to personal growth. Lucille’s career path led her to work as a dedicated meat & seafood journeyman earning a well deserved retirement with The Retail Clerks Union UFCW 21. However her greatest achievement was in the role of being a devoted wife and mother.

Throughout her journey Lucille faced various challenges, but she refused to let them define her spirit. She displayed unparalleled resilience, and unwavering determination, demonstrating to all the true meaning of strength. Lucille’s fighting spirit inspired those around her, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

B y d ou G d a H l

Question: I have an old car with broken air conditioning, and I’ve found that driving with the windows down hurts my ears (and I’m concerned with longterm hearing loss). I assume people with convertibles might suffer this same issue. Is it legal to wear earplugs while driving? And if so, do you recommend anything in particular?

Answer: Assuming you’re not willing to keep your windows up while driving (and I understand why you might not – a closed-up car on a summer day can get unbearably hot,) I feel like there’s not a perfect answer to this question. It’s a trade-off between long-term hearing loss and immediate driving safety.

Let’s start with hearing loss. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which has a mandate to protect workers, has set some limits for noise exposure. You’ve reached your daily allowance of noise if you’re exposed to 85 decibels for eight hours. And for each three-decibel increase in volume, your exposure time should be cut in half. Go beyond those limits and you’re risking hearing damage. Washington law requires employees to wear ear protection at 85 decibels and louder.

What does that mean in real

life? A normal conversation is about 60 decibels. Your coffee grinder is around 70-80. Your blender might be 90 or more. Driving with your windows down, or in a convertible, peaks at somewhere around 85 to 90 decibels; potentially loud enough to cause hearing loss on extended drives.

Wearing earplugs would help with excessive wind noise, but is that legal? And even if it’s legal, is it a good idea? There are several states where it’s clearly illegal to wear earplugs while driving, but I can’t find any prohibition in Washington. Our state doesn’t allow driving with headsets or earphones that are capable of playing an audio signal and muffle other sounds, but that law doesn’t mention earplugs.

Recognize though, that wearing earplugs is a compromise. You’re protecting your hearing but giving up the ability to hear sounds that can alert you to a driving hazard. One might counter that deaf drivers have a safety record similar to hearing drivers, and that’s true, but hearing drivers haven’t honed their other senses to offset a lack of hearing. For example, a 2010 study found that deaf adults have better peripheral vision than those who can hear.

If you’re going to wear hearing protection, follow the wisdom of motorcycle riders. For them,

hearing damage is a real concern; many wear earplugs specially designed to selectively filter wind noise while still allowing them to hear sirens, horns and even conversations. You don’t need to block out sounds entirely, just minimize the ones that are potentially harmful.

I have to give you credit for thinking about the future of your ears; we humans tend to discount long-term consequences (in this case, hearing damage) over nearterm risks (like driving). But driving is the most dangerous activity most of us will engage in on a regular basis. If you protect your hearing at the expense of a missed audible warning and end up in a serious crash, your longterm hearing might not be so important anymore.

Having said all that, we don’t have an epidemic of earplug-involved crashes. If I were faced with the option of merging onto a highway full of earplugged drivers or a highway full of impaired, distracted or speeding drivers the choice would be easy. Fortunately, high-risk drivers are a minority, but those risky behaviors have an outsized impact. Being thoughtful about our driving choices goes a long way to increased safety for all road users.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Lucille, will forever be remembered and deeply missed by her devoted husband, Les Browning of Birch Bay. Les’s dedication to Lucille during the course of their marriage was a testament to their unbreakable bond. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those that provided compassionate support to Lucille, especially her Pastor Justin Long of Blaine Christian Fellowship (BCF) where Lucille attended church.

Lucille was blessed with three daughters, Carih Bott, Christina (Jeremy) Marglon, and Erica “Lil L” (Brian) Rose. Upon marriage to Les, she also came to be very proud to be the mother of her blended family; Bryan “Lil B” Browning, and Jessica and Daniel Bass. Her family was her pride and joy, and she embraced motherhood with an abundance of love and care.

Lucille’s legacy lives on through her many grandchildren: Kayla, JT, Kylie, Will, Ashleigh, Katie, Michael, Abbigale, Trevor Spenser, Tyler, Anna Grace, Max, DJ, Alayah, Bryan. Their lives were enriched by her love, wisdom, and guidance, additionally, she leaves behind five great grand-children who will carry her memory in their hearts.

To honor Lucille’s life and the indelible mark that she left on this world there is a graveside service at Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Drive, in Ferndale for family and close friends on July 28, at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 5 p.m. at Blaine Christian Fellowship, 902 Adelia Street, Blaine Wa. 98230.

CELEBRATION OF LIVES

Jean Thomas

December 25, 1938 –September 2, 2020

Diane Conrad (nee Thomas)

July 16, 1960 –January 16, 2022

Don Thomas July 21, 1965 –May 5, 2020

In memory of our loved ones, we welcome you to celebrate their lives. Saturday, July 22, 3 p.m.,

The Wheel House Bar and Grill, 746 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine. Open mic at 3:30 p.m., food and band to follow.

pOLiCe repOrts

July 7, 12:27 p.m.: Theft on Marine Drive.

July 8, 10:26 a.m.: Vandalism on Peace Portal Drive.

July 8, 2 p.m.: Serve paper on Mitchell Avenue.

July 8, 2:53 p.m.: Assist agency on West 99th Street.

July 8, 11:18 p.m.: Domestic verbal on C Street.

July 9, 8:35 a.m.: Sex offender registration on 10th Street.

July 9, 9:13 a.m.: Welfare check on Peace Portal Drive.

July 9, 3:26 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

July 9, 4:21 p.m.: Property found on 3rd Street.

July 9, 9:47 p.m.: Security check on Peace Portal Drive.

July 10, noon: Bicycle theft on Cherry Street.

July 10, 5:04 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

July 12, 5:55 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor Road.

July 12, 7:37 a.m.: Runaway on Clyde Street.

July 12, 6:30 p.m.: Littering on Peace Portal Drive.

July 13, 11:41 a.m.: Fraud on Canvasback Road.

July 13, 1:27 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Boblett Street.

July 13, 2:51 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

July 13, 3:52 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Blaine Road.

July 13, 6:25 p.m.: Domestic order violation on H Street.

Coming up

not rape – on Sandwood Lane.

July 13, 8:28 p.m.: Death investigation on Allan Street.

July 14, 8:08 a.m.: Noise on Allan Street.

July 13, 6:41 p.m.: Sex crime – Report by Blaine Police Department

sheriff’s repOrts

July 5, 12:57 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive.

July 6, 9:13 a.m.: Vandalism on Halibut Drive.

July 6, 10:57 a.m.: Missing person on Castlerock Drive.

July 6, 4:39 p.m.: Mental health issue on Seashell Way.

July 6, 10:16 p.m.: Fireworks on Morgan Drive.

July 7, 8:07 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

July 7, 5:39 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Dory Court.

July 8, 2:02 p.m.: Civil problem on Custer School Road, Custer.

July 8, 4:22 p.m.: Parking problem on Harborview Road.

July 9, 11:49 a.m.: Domestic physical on Halibut Drive.

July 9, 7:44 p.m.: Harassment on Holeman Avenue.

CrOssWOrd

7. Chinese philosophy

8. Computer giant

9. A device to catch

10. Emits coherent radiation

11. Actor O’Neill

12. Smallest interval in western music

13. Not lower

15. Revolves

18. Leavened bread

21. Number above the line in a fraction 24. Cable 26. Adult male

27. Airborne (abbr. 30. Bullfighting maneuvers

32. Broadcast 35. __ Angeles 37. Vehicle 38. Not religious 39. North American peoples 42. A baglike structure 43. Body art (slang) 46. Picked for a role 47. Actress Tomei

Former hoopster “Big Country”

Icelandic poems

More pleasant

It can add flavor to meat

55. Self-immolation by fire rituals

July 9, 8:12 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

July 10, 12:35 a.m.: Attempted suicide on Beachcomber Drive.

July 10, 9:06 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Arnie Road, Custer.

July 10, 10:40 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive.

July 10, 4:28 p.m.: Hit and run on Fir Street.

July 11, 4:26 p.m.: Trespass on Blaine Road.

July 11, 5:21 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Bridger Road.

July 12, 4:03 a.m.: Overdose on Sunburst Drive.

July 12, 11:54 a.m.: Forgery on Clamdigger Drive.

July 13, 3:28 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Hall Road.

July 13, 9:47 p.m.: Domestic physical on D Street.

57. Expression of annoyance

59. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

62. Consumed 63. Body part 66. Thus 68. In reply (abbr.)

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Weather

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.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, July 20, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Literature. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, July 21, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Double Trouble. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Summer Market Series: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m, Home Farm U-Pick + Events, 8020 Kickerville Road. Featuring local goods, food and activities for the whole family from over 40 local artisans. Admission: $3, kids under 12 free. Info: homefarm.farm.

What Does the Owl Say?: Saturday, July 22, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Join and Audubon society member and learn about the owls that call Birch Bay home. Bring chairs.

Vacation Bible School: Monday, July 24–Friday, July 28, 9 a.m.–noon, Grace Lutheran Church & Preschool, 702 G Street. Kids ages 3 years–5th grade play games, learn about the Bible, sing songs and have fun. Free. Register: office@BGLutheran.com.

Night Market by the Sea: Wednesday, July 26, 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, July 27, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Sports. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, July 28, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Michele D’Amour and the Love Dealers. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Splash Days: Friday, July 28, noon–2 p.m., Third and Martin streets. Kids beat the heat in a street party with fire hydrant sprinklers. Small children must be supervised, shoes recommended. Ice cream by Sugar Shack plus hot dogs, chips and refreshments. Sponsored by the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Sand Sculpture Contest: Saturday, July 29, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration at Birch Bay Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Vendors and Friends of Birch Bay Library book sale the library, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sand sculpture judging begins at 1 p.m. and winners announced at 3 p.m. Birch Bay poker run from 2-4 p.m. Info and registration for both sand sculpture competition and poker run at birchbaychamber.com/events.

Rollback Weekend Car Show: Sunday, July 30, 8 a.m–2 p.m., Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Car show, beer garden, corn hole tour- nament and live music. Pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. and vendor market from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Birch Bay Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Info and registration: birchbaychamber.com/events.

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.–12:30 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.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive.

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.

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.

Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Blaine Book Club: Friday, July 21, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. July title: “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, 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: 307/349-0450.

s Mother and daughter duo Shanti Nair, l., and Mary Lyn Nair illustrated and wrote “Down by the Sea,” a children’s book inspired by Birch Bay. Courtesy photo

Birch Bay setting of new children’s book

B y M ad I sun t o BI sc H

While Mary Lyn Nair sat watching her daughter, Shanti Nair, run freely on the shores of Birch Bay, she said she heard the ocean whisper the words of a poem to her.

“Down by the sea, where the cool wind blows,” the poem reads. “Where the blue heron flies, amidst cries of the crows …” Years have passed, but the poem always stayed in the family,

Mary Lyn said.

“I’ve been singing it all these years whenever I walk down the beach,” she said. “If someone’s passing me by, they may hear me singing. That poem has never left.”

With the help of Shanti, who earned an associate degree in visual communication and graphic design from Whatcom Community College, the family’s poem has been transformed into a self-published children’s book. Shanti considers it a love letter from her and

NWSS 50th Anniversary Steamboat Meet

AUGUST 11-13

August 5 -13

Mary Lyn to Birch Bay.

“Down by the Sea” was released earlier this summer and is being sold for $15 at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center. The book aims to teach children the names and likenesses of Pacific Northwest species to foster their respect for nature.

Mary Lyn said this was the year Shanti felt ready to start the project they both knew had always been waiting for her – it was time to bring the poem to life with illustrations.

Shanti said her process was a mix of remembering the beach through a child’s eyes and capturing the natural beauty of Birch Bay.

“The book was like a big research project,” Shanti said, adding she ended with a better understanding of the wildlife she grew up around. “Memories only help you so much with illustrating.”

A note in the back of the book recommends playing soft ocean sounds in the background for an immersive and calming reading experience.

Sacha Sanguinetti, the chamber’s event coordinator, said Shanti’s impressive illustrations immediately caught his eye. He called the project a top-notch children’s book that “represents Birch Bay very well.”

Mary Lyn presented her and Shanti’s work to local families at the annual Birch Bay Kite Festival in June. She was surprised by the age range of people who told her they felt connected to her poem’s message.

WashingtonAUGUST 3-6

PIRATE

Sat. Aug. 5

A swashbuckling fun time!

Blaine Harbor Boating Center & Blaine Marine Park Playground Tall Ship

Saturday, August 5

KIDS’ PIRATE DAZE - Blaine Marine Park 10 AM - 2 PM Games • Walk-the-Plank • Mermaid Photo Ops

Pirate Parade & Costume Contest • Hot Dogs & Chips for $1 Story Telling • Treasure Hunts • Batallion Water Battle Blaine Community Theater Water Balloon Play & more!

MARITIME FESTIVAL - Blaine Harbor Boating Center

Gate 2 • 10 AM - 5 PM

Street Fair • Live Music • Food • NWSS Steamboats

Tall Ship Lady Washington - Dockside Tours & Daily Sail

Sunday, August 6

MARITIME FESTIVAL - Blaine Harbor Boating Center

Gate 2 • 10 AM - 5 PM

Street Fair • Live Music • Food • NWSS Steamboats

Pet Contest - Sunday only 1 PM to 2 PM

Tall Ship Lady Washington - Dockside Tours & Daily Sails

Friday, Saturday, Sunday Aug. 11-13

Northwest Steam Society (NWSS)

50th Anniversary Steamboat Meet

Blaine Marine Park

Even if her kids are no longer living at home, Mary Lyn said she wants to continue supporting young people’s care and curiosity for their surroundings through more published work and cultural programming within the community.

Mary Lyn hopes her daughter will continue to find creative inspiration in her poems and stories. Some of her other titles include “Little Bird Please Sing to Me,” which is set in Whatcom Falls Park, and “Shanti’s Garden,” which takes place at Ferndale’s Hovander Homestead Park.

Proceeds from each book sale will go toward the new Birch Bay library that Mary Lyn said the community deserves.

“It creates an environment for the kids to grow, and when they start loving to read books, it’s a treasure,” she said. “It’s something that they will have as a gift their whole life.”

Lady

s “Down by the Sea.”

Photo by Madisun Tobisch