The Northern Light: July 27-August 2, 2023

July 27 - August 2, 2023 FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Vehicle pursuit ends in fiery crash, page 3

Make the most of Rollback Weekend in Birch Bay

B y M adisun T o B isch

Birch Bay is preparing for its 40th annual Sand Sculpture Competition on Saturday, July 29, with the ninth annual Rollback Weekend Car Show the following day. An early alarm clock and pre-registration are advised to make the most of this weekend packed with annual events.

Sand Sculpture creators can begin making their way to the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive, at 7 a.m. for day-of registration and to ready their 20-foot-by20-foot sand canvases. The first 50 sculptures will receive sand pails with gifts and refreshments from the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, said event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti.

Friends of Birch Bay Library will be fundraising with coffee and muffins available at the future library site for those arriving in the morning.

As the sculptors work on their creations, spectators can browse the vendors and food trucks set up outside the library on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will return Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Remember to head back to the sand before the tide comes in around 1 p.m. when the judging begins. Results will be announced from the library site at 3 p.m.

While the judges decide which sculpture is the winner, teams on golf carts and bicycles will participate in the fourth annual family-friendly poker run, beginning at 2 p.m. Teams will depart from the library and travel the 2.4-mile route to six checkmarks where they will pick up a playing card. The three teams to return with the best poker hand will win prizes.

Sanguinetti said the event was so popular when it started during the pandemic, it now has a yearly spot among the other community favorites.

“Events move to the next level each year,” he said.

Sunday welcomes more community events for the Rollback Weekend Celebration.

Once again, showing up early pays off as Friends of Birch Bay Library will serve a pancake breakfast at the library site starting at 6 a.m.

Those hoping to enter the car show must register by 8 a.m. Cars will be displayed

(See Rollback, page 4)

August 1 primary deadline nears, page 4

School district solicits budget feedback, page 6

Canoe journey stops in Birch Bay

Two people arrested in connection to Custer, Blaine and Ferndale drive-by shootings

An 18-year-old man and teenager have been charged in relation to early morning drive-by shootings in Custer, Blaine and Ferndale that injured one person on July 24.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to the first drive-by shooting report about 1:15 a.m. July 24 on Willeys Lake Road near Custer after a bullet struck a female victim’s leg while she was in her bedroom, according to a WCSO release.

WCSO deputies found two bullets in the victim’s bedroom window and a third on the home’s siding. The victim received treatment for her injuries at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Blaine Police Department (BPD) then received a call about 1:30 a.m. from a resident who heard three gunshots near the 1600 block of Bayview Avenue, near Mary Avenue. Two officers responded and spoke with other witnesses who heard gunfire, but couldn’t find evidence of a shooting, according to a BPD news release.

Shots were fired shortly after in the Eastgate Loop area of Ferndale about 1:45 a.m.

Bellingham Police Department identified the suspect’s truck from a neighbor’s surveillance video and arrested Bellingham resident Alejandro Villa Herrera, 18, and a 17-year-old male at about 2:15 a.m. Herrera admitted to driving the truck

(See Drive-by, page 6)

s Three canoes from the Nooksack Indian Tribe, six canoes from First Nations in Canada and one from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community landed in Birch Bay on July 22 in a stop on the Paddle to Muckleshoot Canoe Journey. The canoe journey, which is returning for the first time since the pandemic, will end with over 100 canoes landing at Alki Beach in Seattle. This year’s canoe journey theme is honoring warriors, past and present. More on page 10.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

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Police chase ends with fiery crash just north of U.S./Canada border

A high-speed stolen vehicle pursuit through Whatcom County ended with the vehicle driving through the U.S./Canada border and bursting into flames in Surrey, B.C. on July 22.

A 21-year-old man from Irvine, California allegedly stole a Hyundai Tucson in Seattle and was driving it in Skagit County, when the registered vehicle owner, who was tracking the vehicle, notified Washington State Patrol (WSP) of its location at about 7:45 p.m. on July 22. WSP then received reports that a vehicle, later identified as the same driver, was nearly colliding with other cars in Whatcom County, WSP trooper Kelsey Harding said.

WSP troopers attempted to stop the vehicle on northbound I-5 near Slater Road but it fled, Harding said. The driver reached speeds of 115 mph as he drove to the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine.

WSP ended its pursuit as the Hyundai approached the NEXUS lane, which it went through without stopping and continued driving erratically on Highway 99 in Surrey, B.C.

The Hyundai drove off the road on Highway 99, near 16th Avenue, and became engulfed in flames, according to a Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) release. The driver, the sole occupant in the vehicle, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by RCMP after a brief altercation.

The Hyundai clipped another vehicle before crashing that caused minor damage to the second vehicle, according to RCMP. No occupants were injured.

The driver was treated for his injuries at the hospital and then booked into Whatcom County Jail on July 23 for taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second-degree, attempting

to elude police and not having a valid operator’s license. As of July 25, the man remained in jail in lieu of a $20,000 appearance bond or $2,000 cash, according to jail booking data.

New Direction for

Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

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

Editorial 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, Dean Ridings

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 7

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

s Whatcom County residents are within the final days of needing to return their primary ballots by 8 p.m. Election Day on Tuesday, August 1. Whatcom County has over 20 ballot drop boxes, three of which are located at Blaine Public Library, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue’s Birch Bay station and Custer Elementary School. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham, can help people register to vote, update registration or vote until 8 p.m. Election Day. Ballots postmarked by August 1 will be accepted, though the auditor’s office cautions people to check the mail drop box’s last collection time. The auditor’s office has received over 13,100 ballots as of July 25. Voters can check ballot status at votewa.gov. For more information, visit whatcomcounty.us/elections.

Rollback ...

From page 1

until judging wraps up at 1 p.m.

Another opportunity for community members to compete, in this case for cash prizes, is the Upper Left Cornhole tournament held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wait for the next round of cornhole, or sit in the shade at the beer garden from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Westside

Pizza, Dream Management, Beach Cat Brewing Company and Bellingham Cider Company. The Shannanagins will perform live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The pandemic and subsequent recovery have brought an influx of year-round residents calling Birch Bay home, Sanguinetti said, adding that many of these newcomers are celebrating the nostalgic draw of Rollback Weekend and other community events.

For a $5 donation to the Friends of the

Countdown til Tuesday, August 1 primary OpiniOn Letters

Birch Bay Library, visitors can park behind CJ’s Beach House Restaurant, The Beach Bar and Beach Cat Brewing Company for Saturday and Sunday.

Registration for the weekend events, including the sculpture competition, car show, cornhole tournament and poker run, are available on the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce website. For information on how to volunteer for a two-hour time slot (or longer), call the chamber at 360/371-5004.

The Editor:

Beautiful Northwest Washington!

How wonderful to be living here where it is relatively cool, and happily not suffering from forest fire smoke, so far.

What are climate change deniers thinking 40 years too late? This morning’s news reported Florida’s 98-degree ocean water will generate hurricanes and kill ocean life affecting real estate, fishing and tourism industries.

Texas is a real oxymoron! The state and its petroleum industry has been

saved from blackouts caused by excessive heat and air conditioners because of high use of green energy solar power.

Yet, the Petroleum State is now spending billions for dikes to protect their refineries from high seas. It would seem that only profit makes decisions affecting all of humanity. (Solar electricity is more efficient and less expensive than oil-generated electricity.)

Isn’t there enough evidence for people who have been deluded by truly fake news and the agenda of climate deniers

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: Nex meeting is Tuesday,

and fraud believers? We are all victims. Hopefully it is not too late to seriously invest in a future where we both adapt to and develop technology to help our comfortable survival. But we must act now on facts and truth.

Donna Starr Blaine

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

August 15. Meetings are usually 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.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Op-Ed: Local news is good for business

B y d ean r idin G s , ceo of a M erica ’ s n ewspapers

It’s no secret that recent years have been tough on small businesses and on newspapers. A bipartisan bill, the Community News and Small Business Support Act, that has been introduced in Congress would offer relief to both newspapers and local businesses.

For too many newspapers, help can’t come soon enough. Economic challenges have resulted in too many communities seeing their local newspapers being forced to lay off staff, cut back on publication days or – worse yet – close. On average, two newspapers are closing each week. That hurts local businesses and residents in the long (and short) run. However, despite the challenges, what remains true is that local newspapers make a difference in their communities.

But, don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at the numbers and why America’s Newspapers has been pushing for the Community News and Small Business Support Act to be introduced.

A recent national study of 5,000 Americans over the age of 18 was conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures for America’s Newspapers, and provides compelling evidence of the importance, relevance and vitality of today’s newspapers in the American media landscape.

Readers told us that their local newspaper makes a difference. The study shows that 79 percent of Americans read/use local news “to stay informed” about their cities, counties and communities. They also said they rely on their local paper to feel connected to their community, to decide where they stand on local issues, to find places and things to do, to talk with people about things happening in the community, because they find it enjoyable/entertaining and to be a better citizen.

And, contrary to popular belief, readers across all age groups turn to local newspapers and their digital products to stay informed about their communities.

Readers also told us they need more local news from their community paper. As one survey respondent in California said, “Our paper keeps getting smaller. I would like to see more news items, what’s happening in town, what’s new in politics, etc. And they need to be quicker to respond to breaking news.”

All of that takes a committed, local staff – something the legislation introduced by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA1) will help to make happen.

So, what would this legislation mean to your local community?

Local businesses with fewer than 50 employees would receive a fiveyear nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 in the first year and up to $2,500 in the subsequent four years based on their spending level with local newspapers and local media.

Our study showed that six out of 10 American adults use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy. Newspaper readers

also are almost twice as likely to purchase products from a number of important advertising categories than nonnewspaper readers, including: Automobiles, trucks and SUVs; home furnishings; home improvement products and services; and home services like pest control, plumbing, heating, etc.

With this legislation, we expect to see more businesses being able to afford to advertise to consumers, which, in turn, helps communities thrive.

For local newspapers, a five-year refundable tax credit would help them hire more journalists to bring you more news! It’s a win-win for local communities. Newspapers would receive a tax credit to be used for the compensation of journalists. The credit would cover 50 percent of journalists’ compensation in the first year and 30 percent of compensation (up to $50,000) in the subsequent four years. This tax credit would only be available to local community papers with fewer than 750 employees and, if they don’t invest in their newsroom, they don’t get the credit.

And these tax credits are only available to local newspapers. National newspaper outlets are not eligible.

The importance of local newspa-

pers and local business is the reason representatives Tenney and DelBene introduced the legislation. We are most grateful for their support.

We need your support, as well, to encourage legislators to enact this legislation. Please contact the offices of your senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress and encourage them to add their support to this legislation.

These tax credits aren’t permanent; they will sunset in five years. But, these critical five years will allow the newspaper industry the time needed to address the challenges that it is facing from Big Tech, which often uses newspapers’ content without compensation, as well as other technological and market challenges. Visit usa.gov/elected-officials for the contact information for your legislators.

More local reporting means more access for hometown news that citizens like you rely on. And stronger newspapers mean stronger advertising vehicles for local businesses.

America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses.

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers, serving more than 1,550 newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more: Newspapers.org.

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.

TOURISM GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT

THE CITY OF BLAINE IS NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 TOURISM RELATED PROPOSALS. Grant applications are available on the City’s website www.cityofblaine.com or by emailing Alex Wenger, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator at awenger@cityofblaine.com. Applications must be emailed to Alex Wenger by 9 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023. For questions please email or call (360) 543-9979.

This week’s supporters:

Don and Debbie Leu • Harry and Melanie Shearer • Ken and Marcia Countryman • Banagan Family

Blaine school district seeks input on preliminary 2023-24 budget

B y G race M c c ar T hy Blaine school board held a public hearing on the preliminary 2023-24 budget that drew a few people to ask questions and give feedback on the reduced plan.

Finance director Amber Porter held an hour back-and-forth conversation on the budget with board members and the public during the July 24 hearing. Porter said the final budget will be adopted at the August meeting but the district wanted more feedback.

“Tonight is a nice opportunity to review what we put forth already because I don’t anticipate there being many changes between now and final adoption,” Porter said. “Not big, major structural changes, just some of the smaller details.”

The Blaine school district released its 2023/24 draft budget in mid-July that cuts nearly $3.5 million in spending from last year and reduces the district’s year-end deficit to $2.1 million. The deficit would leave the district with a $2.5 million general fund balance.

The district is working to balance its fund balance after last

year’s budget forecast projected that the district could have a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenses exceed revenues at the current rate. The reduced budget eliminates 59.5 positions, 50 of which would be layoffs and the others would be employees leaving the district on their own, The Northern Light previously reported.

Salaries make up about 85 percent of the general fund expenses, which pay for the school district’s daily operations, Porter said.

Porter handed audience members a detailed list of the staff reductions and how each reduction is anticipated to impact the schools. Such reductions include paraprofessionals, nurses, library staff, custodians, administrative staff, math support teachers and elective classes.

The impacts are anticipated to be felt across the district campus, from primary students only receiving music once per week to increasing fourth grade class sizes. Student behavior concerns were a common theme among the reductions.

Some cuts will be absorbed by current staffing levels, while other programs will be more

strained, Porter said.

“If I could project, based on the reductions that we had already itemized, I don’t believe that all of them are going to be easy to support in real life,” she said. “In reality, when we have real people and real programs working, sometimes a management choice doesn’t play out well.”

The district has experienced enrollment decline since the 2019/20 school year, and Porter said the district wasn’t yet sure if it was at the bottom of the de-

cline. Superintendent Christopher Granger said kindergarten enrollment was looking optimistic at 80-85 percent of the targeted amount for the school year.

The school district has been collecting the annual one percent increase of the regular maintenance and operations levy that the state allows, Porter said. The current maintenance and operation levy will need to be approved by voters in 2024.

During the hearing, Porter asked the public for feedback on

their priorities for positions they want to be reinstated, if future funding allows, and areas that require additional resources. Additional feedback can be emailed to Porter at aporter@blainesd.org.

“The principals and department heads all recognize that doing more with less continues to be a challenge,” Granger said. “As resources potentially become available, what are the priorities they want added back that will support students being successful in the classroom setting?”

Blaine man arrested on suspicion of assaulting woman who declined advances

B y G race M c c ar T hy

A 22-year-old Blaine man was arrested on July 24 on suspicion of forcibly assaulting a woman known to him last month after she had turned down his advances.

Arjun Singh Sihota was booked into Whatcom County Jail for 2nd degree assault with sexual motivation, 4th degree assault with sexual

motivation, and indecent liberties by forcible compulsion, according to Whatcom County Superior Court documents.

In mid-June, a woman reported to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office that Sihota had assaulted her the day before at a party. The woman told deputies that Sihota had previously asked her out on dates, and she had declined, ac-

cording to the affidavit of probable cause (APC).

Sihota repeatedly asked the woman to use cocaine at the party, according to the APC. When the woman told Sihota no to the cocaine and refused a kiss, Sihota allegedly slapped her and grabbed her throat in a way that restricted her breathing. He then put cocaine in the woman’s mouth and, as she

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was trying to wipe it out, forced more cocaine into her mouth, according to the APC.

Sihota allegedly verbally berated the woman and slapped her each time she said she didn’t want to be touched.

The APC shows Sihota again asked the woman on a date and, when she declined, put his hand under her shirt and forced a kiss on her.

A warrant for Sihota’s arrest was issued July 20, and he was booked into jail on July 24. He was later released that day on a $15,000 appearance bond or $1,500 cash.

It was unclear by presstime who

Drive-by ...

From page 1

while the 17-year-old fired shots, according to the WCSO release. A handgun and shell casings were recovered from the passenger side of the vehicle.

The WCSO initially developed probable cause to arrest Herrera for drive-by shooting and the 17-year-old boy for drive-by shooting and unlawful possession of firearm in the second-degree.

Later that morning, a Blaine resident reported a bullet hole in the front of their home where the gunshots were originally reported. Two officers found a second bullet hole on the home’s second

was serving as Sihota’s defense. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563.

Brigid Collins Family Support Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360/734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.

floor when they arrived to investigate, according to BPD. BPD sergeant Brent Greene said one bullet was recovered.

On July 25, WCSO detectives were able to establish probable cause to connect Herrera and the boy to the drive-by shooting in Blaine. Detectives also discovered the firearm used in the shootings was reported stolen out of Bonney Lake in February.

Herrera and the boy received additional charges of drive-by shooting, second-degree assault and possession of a stolen firearm, according to WCSO.

Herrera is being held in lieu of a $25,000 appearance bond or $2,500 cash, according to Whatcom County Jail booking data.

s From l.; Blaine school board members Don Leu, Erika Creydt, Charles Gibson, Kimberly Akre, Dougal Thomas and superintendent Christopher Granger during the July 24 public hearing. Photo by Grace McCarthy

First Fed Foundation awards $80,000 to county

Whatcom County received over $80,000 in grants from the First Fed Foundation, a regional charitable corporation that provides relief to Whatcom, Jefferson, Clallam, Kitsap and King counties.

Grant money awarded will benefit local nonprofits working in the sectors of disability rights, food access, mental health and affordable housing.

The funds are intended to help low-to-moderate income, disadvantaged and marginalized people, according to a First Fed press release.

One of the grants included $5,000 to the Max Higbee Center for staffing and program support for teens and adults living with developmental disabilities.

The National Alliance on Men-

U.S. Border Patrol centennial run

tal Illness of Whatcom County also received $5,000 from the foundation. The grant is intended to support the position of a bilingual community outreach specialist to engage members of the Latino community with mental wellness initiatives.

With a $25,000 grant, the Bellingham Food Bank plans to make menstrual hygiene products available for those who cannot afford them.

Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County received $50,000 for the first eight townhomes in Mateo Meadows, a townhome community in Everson. The project will eventually house an estimated 32 people. Habitat received the highest grant awarded this year.

The four Whatcom County nonprofits were among 19 awarded by the foundation for the 2023 year.

Hi, I’m Chuck!

Hi, my name is Chuck Rudolph. I moved to Bellingham from San Diego, CA two years ago to be close to my daughter and her family. I have four children, 11 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great grandchildren. After College I was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. I then started my career as a U.S. History teacher at the Catholic High School level and realized I needed to make more money. At that time, a teacher’s weekly salary was $90. I searched for another career and after taking many tests through the county for police, fire and probation I was offered a job with the San Diego probation department. 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.

s Blaine sector U.S. Border Patrol agents and staff, officers from the Office of Field Operations and Office of Chief Counsel, friends and family, celebrated the upcoming 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol with a 1.924 mile run through Blaine that ended at Peace Arch State Park. The Border Patrol will celebrate its centennial on May 28, 2024, and all Border Patrol sectors and components will participate in the symbolic run throughout the year.

Photo courtesy Aaron Pittman/U.S. Border Patrol

Three generations of Birch Bay family come together

A multigenerational Birch Bay family has found a way to pass down knowledge and create a new meaning of home by building a house together.

The Forbes family has always been close-knit. As a single mother of four sons aged 14-21,

Nikki Forbes often called her parents to help with plumbing, electrical and hardware issues that popped up over the 20 years she lived in Blaine.

In September 2022, the Forbes started their biggest family project to date – a two-story home built from the ground up next door to the Birch Bay residence

of Nikki’s parents, Karen and David Forbes.

In 2022, Nikki was approved for a home loan of about $260,000 that she hoped would allow her to move into a bigger space.

“The places I was finding were like two-bedroom shacks,” she said. “Now, I’m getting a five-bedroom, huge house for the same amount.”

Working as a family has kept the project within the budget. Although most of the team doesn’t have experience, Karen and David are happy to teach everything they know to their crew of grandsons, Payton, Landon, Connor and Daylon. Payton’s girlfriend, Zion Bowers, has also helped with the project since it began.

“I got lucky because my parents know how to do everything,” Nikki said. “If it weren’t for them, this never would have happened.”

It took one day for Karen and David to think things over before they presented Nikki with the idea to build the home.

“He needed a retirement project anyway,” Nikki said.

David, who retired two years ago as a Whatcom County Fire District 7 lieutenant, brought over a decade of construction experience from previous jobs and personal experience.

“We put an addition on our house in Kent, and Karen was

(See Home, next page)

s Landon Forbes, 16, hangs from an overhead beam while working at the construction site next to his grandparents' Birch Bay residence.

Photo courtesy David Forbes

s The exterior of the Forbes family home on July 17. Once the windows and siding are installed, construction will shift toward working on the interior in August. The family hopes to move in before Thanksgiving.

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

s The Forbes family began building their two-story home in 2022.

Photo courtesy David Forbes

& Home Garden

with me through the whole thing,” David said.

“And I pay attention,” she added. “I can stay one step ahead of him the whole time, and I know what he needs next, so I have it ready for him.”

Once they got the approval to purchase the land from their long-time neighbor, it was a matter of clearing the property and laying the foundation.

“Payton and Zion were a big help on that part,” Karen said. “Every section, there’s been one kid who has stood out for helping with different things.”

Last December, during one of the first significant milestones of construction, the concrete machinery rolled in at the same time as the snow.

“Everybody got knee-high boots because of it,” David said.

Looking back on seven months of celebrations and setbacks, the foundation remains a least favorite memory for several family members.

Exterior work on the house will wrap up at the beginning of August, David said, adding that nothing has a strict timeline.

“We just keep going, get up in the morning, make some coffee and go work across the driveway,” Karen said, adding that they’ve made an effort to prevent the project from feeling like a burden on the rest of the family.

From learning what “flush”

means in construction to installing hurricane shingles, all of the grandsons agree they did their fair share of learning on the job.

“There have been times that the kids got burned out, so they didn’t want to help for a while, but there seemed to always be another kid willing to step in anytime,” Karen said. “David and I have done the most, but anytime we’ve needed somebody, they’ve come out there. It’s been a big help.”

For now, the final move-in date is before Thanksgiving.

Karen said after 18 years of hosting holidays and get-togethers at their home, it will be a welcome change to pass the role to Nikki.

The project’s final cost should be around $250,000 including the initial land purchase, Karen said. The upcoming stages include electrical, plumbing and David’s least favorite – sheetrock. The finish work takes the longest if you want to do a good job, he said.

“We’ve done everything perfectly so far, so we’re not going to mess up at the very end,” Nikki added.

Throughout the celebrations and challenges the project has brought, Nikki said watching her family pull together to create something entirely their own has been the most rewarding part.

“I’m impressed with my kids,” she said. “They’re doing all these things, and they’re doing really well. It’s a proud mama moment.”

Hello Blaine Residents!

Weekly Water Usage Trend

Just 10 minutes south of Blaine!

(See Home, previous page)

s From l.; Connor, David, Karen, Payton, Daylon, Nikki and Landon Forbes stand on their nearly complete lower-level deck in Birch Bay on July 17. (Zion Bowers not pictured).

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

Nooksack Indian Tribe canoes landed on the Birch Bay shore July 22 as the northernmost stop in the U.S. for the Paddle to Muckleshoot Canoe Journey. Nooksack tribal chair RoseMary LaClair welcomed the paddlers, who were joined by others for food, song and dance, Nooksack tribal secretary Frank Leyva said. Nooksack tribal councilmember Victoria Joe gave a blessing as the paddlers departed to their next stop on Lummi Nation.

Photos by Ruth Lauman

NOTICE TO BIDDERS:

The Blaine School District Board of Directors is now calling for bids on L/S Diesel and Gasoline products for September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2025.

Fuel bids shall be for product delivered to the fuel tanks at the bus compound located at 1112

Business Services

EXPERIENCED

HIRING

Security Mail Services is looking for a customer service person Mon-Fri 9:30-3:30 Must be reliable. Bring resumé to 250 H Street. Ask for Doug.

CITY OF BLAINE

MAINTENANCE WORKERS

Salary Range: $4,669 to $5,656 per month plus benefits.

Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/. The first review deadline is 4:30pm on July 21st.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: VIRGINIA A. MESSERVY, Deceased. No. 234-00678-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030.

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

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.

Notice of First Publication: July 20, 2023

Personal Representative ASHLEY L. NOLAND, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54348 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

8087 Kispiox Road

MLS# 2136198 $539,000

Exceptional single-level home with mountain views & excellent sun exposure. Rare find, elevated location with a level homesite. Provides wide parking space, including a potential area for boat or RV parking, not situated in a floodplain. Backyard is expansive & fully fenced. Home is 1503 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, a Great room, & Living room. Vinyl siding & composition roof, while interior offers oak hardwood flooring entry, Great room, dining, & kitchen areas. Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

7395 Birch Bay Drive

MLS #2076318 $1,700,000

This ONE-OF-A-KIND 4 bdrm 4 bath beachfront home w/real cedar timber walls, original hardwood floors, swimming pool, & spacious patio brings back Birch Bay history of days gone by! Unique features: lrg cozy living room w/stone fireplace, sunroom + dining nook w/amazing views, vaulted cedar ceilings thru-out, french doors & built-ins. Upper level showcases a vaulted primary suite w/skylights, fireplace, plus a milliondollar view. Large walk-in tiled shower.

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

5433 Salish Road

MLS #2052715 $850,000

Birch Bay Village lakefront high quality custom residence. Fabulous location with rare large square footage, with room for everyone. Sought after Sunny South facing panoramic vistas over beautiful Kwann Lake. From the view of majestic Mt. Baker to the constant display of migrating waterfowl, this property will fulfill dreams of living in the NW premier guard gated marina, beach & golf community. Other amenities include Saltwater Marina, Clubhouse, Pickleball.

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

MLS #2036025 $299,000

Two commercial / industrial / manufacturing sites on high visibility corner between Peace Portal Dr & Interstate 5 totaling just over 2 acres. Water, sewer, & power available in street. Permitted uses are generally any industrial, R&D, warehousing, processing, shipping, etc. Excellent location along main traffic arterial connecting growing Blaine & Birch Bay. Buyer to verify permitted uses with City of Blaine. Tax ID: 400108-0173980000 & 400108-038397-0000.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

7704 Birch Bay Drive #36-01

MLS #2138290 $75,000

Simple, affordable, getaway home close to the ocean! A 5-min walk to beach, dining, crabbing & amazing sunsets. Everything included in this 1980 Park Model makes it move-in ready, sleeps 4 people. One-bed, full bath, private yard, covered deck & community fire pit to enjoy w/neighbors. Cabana for extra space & storage is in the backyard. The Leisure Park community offers safety & security, with residents enjoying contented lifestyle w/ well-maintained gated park!

Lesha Hutchison 360-510-0640

5660 Nakat Way

MLS #2138827 $775,000

Custom Birch Bay Village saltwater view home 200ft . from community beach access. Watch Inland Pacific sunsets nightly towards Orcas Island & the Salish Sea, multiple viewing decks & fabulous top floor South facing sunsets. Over 2100 sq. ft. of custom finished living space + 778 sq. ft. unfinished basement space waiting for your finishing touch. Fabulous getaway or full time residence on a street of multi million dollar homes. 24/7 guard gated entry.

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

5575 E Shoreview

MLS #2126207 $415,000

Standalone homes for $415K are becoming increasingly hard to find, don’t miss your chance to own this charmer! Popular single level 3 bedroom/2-bathroom floor plan with the primary suite tucked away privately from the other bedrooms + two separate bonus spaces. Newer exterior paint and upgraded easy maintenance laminate flooring in main living areas...the savvy buyer will update the bedroom flooring for an immediate equity boost! Spacious 9000+ sq ft lot. Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

7387 Birch Bay Drive

MLS #2049257 $1,000,000

Rare opportunity to own direct waterfront steps from Birch Bay State Park. This charming and functional two-bedroom, onebathroom home is perfect for those who love the ocean and want to enjoy all that Birch Bay has to offer. The gorgeous wood fireplace, real wood paneling, and exposed beams add a cozy touch to the living room as you stare out across the bay. Entertain outside on the expansive 850 sf patio overlooking the ocean, complete with sea wall. Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

MLS #2046217 $1,495,000

Situated on private & precious 4.7 useable acres, this classic country home has been well cared for & boasts an array of amenities that are sure to impress. Welcoming great room, comfortable kitchen & 3 generous bedrooms plus a daylight basement that has endless possibilities. The 2nd story primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a loft library/office, a custom-designed walk-in closet & a fully remodeled spa-like bathroom, feel pampered & refreshed.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

MLS #2139973 $895,000

Discover this exquisite mid-century estate on 1.8 private acres. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths, and an updated primary suite with walk-in closet and shower. Enjoy bright and desirable office space. The kitchen with an eating area offers custom cabinets, ample counter space, and a walkin pantry with a freezer. Oversized 2-car garage provides storage. Wrap-around deck and lower patio with an inground hot tub create the perfect setting for entertaining.

Jessica Bates

360-410-0900

MLS #2129456 $1,200,000

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

MLS #2141548 $550,000

Welcome to your dream retreat on Eliza Island! This luxurious ready-to-use cabin offers the epitome of island living. Fully furnished, including a golf cart, riding lawn mower, and dinghy, it’s a turnkey paradise with solar awaiting your arrival. Perched on a high-bank waterfront lot, the property boasts inspiring views and beach access just a short stroll away. Inside, the cabin comfortably accommodates up to 10 with 3 bedrooms & a loft for extra sleeping space. Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951

Peace Portal Drive

3196 H Street Road

241 N Harvey Road

5512 Canvasback Road

BIRCH BAY

BIRCH BAY

130 Eliza Island

BLAINE SEMIAHMOO ELIZA ISLAND

Road Rules: Electric vehicle sound

Aleta Jane Dodd

June 7, 1922 ~ July 8, 2022

Aleta Jane Dodd passed away on July 8, at 101 years of age. A lifelong resident of Blaine, Aleta was born to Earle and Alice (Jackman) McKinney on June 7, 1922. She attended Blaine schools, graduating with the class of 1940. She married Harold “Bud” Dodd on November 22, 1945. Bud and Aleta raised their family in Blaine, while building their business, Blaine Marina, Inc., on the waterfront. During her lifetime, Aleta was active in the Blaine Congregational Church, DeMolay Mother’s Club, and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She celebrated 81 years of membership in the Order of the Eastern Star and 75 years as a member in P.E.O. International, Chapter J. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, in 2003.

B y d ou G d ahl

Question: Do electric cars have a sound added to them? I heard one drive past me the other day and it sounded like something from Star Wars.

Answer: In 1886 the Benz Patent Motor Car made its debut as the first car powered by an internal combustion engine. Ever since then, nearly every car you’ve encountered has had a similar inherent safety feature –they’re noisy.

Particularly for pedestrians, the engine noise generated by a car is an effective warning. Before you even see a vehicle, you can make a decent guess about how close it is, how fast it’s going, whether it’s approaching or moving away from you, and even how big it is.

If you were to stand by a roadway as a new electric car approached, you’d still hear it coming, but that’s because they’re required to make artificial sounds. However, there was a gap (of nearly 20 years) between the widespread availability of hybrid and electric vehicles and the requirement for them to be louder than they naturally are.

Back in 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study showing that hybrid electric vehicles were involved in 66 percent more low-speed maneuver crashes with pedestrians than vehicles

powered by an internal combustion engine. As vehicle speeds increase, pedestrian crash rates become similar between hybrid and conventional vehicles. It’s easy to see why; at slow speeds, electric cars are near silent. At higher speeds, wheels and wind contribute to vehicle noise, offsetting the quiet electric motor.

By 2019, NHTSA established a rule that required car manufacturers to add sounds to their electric and hybrid vehicles (at speeds below 19 mph) so that pedestrians could hear them coming. Manufacturers couldn’t just pick any noise; it had to be a sound that met the requirements of the new rule. It turns out that making your car sound like a pod racer from Star Wars meets the requirement.

For anyone driving a hybrid or electric car built prior to 2019, be aware that with all the competing sounds of gas-powered vehicles you might be audibly invisible at slow speeds. Pedestrians, especially the visually impaired, may not know you’re coming, so it’s extra important to pay attention to those traveling on foot.

I’m in favor of making vehicles safer for pedestrians, but this rule won’t change the trajectory of increasing pedestrian deaths. Yes, electric cars crash with pedestrians more than gas-powered cars, but those additional crashes result in few fatalities because

they’re at low speeds.

Pedestrian traffic fatalities involve multiple factors, but the big contributors (emphasis on big) are full-size SUVs and pickups. Drivers of these vehicles are two to three times more likely to kill the pedestrian they’ve struck, compared to cars. Both poor visibility and vehicle design are bad for pedestrians.

The hood height of a new Ford F-150 is about 55 inches. That’s about as tall as the total height of a Toyota Camry. It’s also several inches taller than the average fourth grader. I point that out because kids are disproportionately the victims of front blind zone crashes. Those tall hoods cause more problems upon impact too: they strike a pedestrian’s torso (read vital organs) rather than legs, and they’re more likely to push a pedestrian forward and run them over.

In 2021, SUV and truck sales hit a new mark: 80 percent of new vehicle sales. As demand for bigger vehicles grows, so do pedestrian fatalities (up 77 percent since 2010).

Cars that sound like spaceships will protect a few pedestrians, but to really make an impact, America must overcome its obsession with huge vehicles.

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

More than anything, Aleta loved and enjoyed her family. She always made holidays and birthdays special and made the best Christmas fudge. Aleta spent countless hours at ballfields and gymnasiums watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. Aleta would always be there to support her family with encouraging words. Aleta also loved arts and crafts, in particular doing needlework. She could spend hours working on a project while watching television and talking with others in the room. When they weren’t working in Blaine, Bud and Aleta loved to travel. After many trips to Scottsdale, they officially became “snow birds” with the purchase of their “MoCondo”. Once in Scottsdale, Bud and Aleta enjoyed the winter sunshine, meeting new people and spring training baseball games.

Aleta is survived by her sons Mike (Diane) of Blaine, Steve (Chris) of Blaine; grandchildren Julie Dodd of Blaine, Rob (Julie) Adams of Lynden, Erica (Mike) Gantt of Aledo, Texas, Jay (Joelle) Dodd of Lynden; great-grandchildren Ryder, Dawson, Spencer, Alex, Mattie, Reagan, Mason, Chloe, Capri; Sister-in-Law Donna (Dodd) Stanford of Blaine, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Family graveside services were held at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, on July 18 under the direction of Jerns-McKinney Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Dennis Wildermuth. The family wishes to thank the staff of Stafholt for their compassionate care and suggests memorials to Stafholt Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia, 456 C Street, Blaine, WA, 98230.

Jordan Austin Holdaas

August 8, 1988 – July 10, 2023

Jordan was born and raised in Whatcom County. He attended Blaine schools, kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 2006.

Introverted in nature, Jordan expressed his personality through music. He first picked up a guitar in the 7th grade, and quickly advanced in creative and technical abilities. He played in bands through high school, and never lost his passion for making music.

Jordan was a natural comedian and loved making people laugh. He loved Brazilian JuJitsu for the physical and mental challenges, and practiced for many years.

Jordan worked in maintenance and property management until 2022, when he moved to Nashville, TN with his dog Archie. He passed away from a seizure on July 10.

Jordan has left a great void in our lives but we know he has been reunited with his dad and that they are playing guitars in heaven.

File photo

sheriff’s repOrts

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

July 15, 1:27 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Nautical Court.

July 15, 2:55 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Breeze Loop.

July 15, 5:11 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way.

July 16, 8:35 a.m.: Animal problem on Clamdigger Drive.

July 16, 6:33 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-injury on Elaine Street and Bay Road.

July 17, 6:05 a.m.: Death investigation on Coastal Loop.

July 17, 11:49 a.m.: Runaway cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

July 17, 3:07 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Bayshore Drive.

July 17, 5:45 p.m.: Simple assault on Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads.

July 18, 10:13 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Nicole Lane, Custer.

July 18, 10:32 a.m.: Animal problem on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Peace Park Drive, Custer.

July 18, 1:58 p.m.: Theft cold call on Harborview Road.

July 18, 8:25 p.m.: Traffic stop on Blaine Road. Traffic arrest.

July 18, 11:37 p.m.: Suspicious

person on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

July 19, 3:01 a.m.: DUI arrest on West Badger Road, Custer.

July 19, 3:50 p.m.: Harassment on Dory Court.

July 19, 6:40 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay Square Street.

July 20, 3:45 a.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

July 20, 8:56 a.m.: Whatcomm Record on Makah Road.

July 20, 10:50 a.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Harborview Road.

July 20, 3:18 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Stein Road, Custer.

July 20, 3:22 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Sawgrass Way.

July 20, 5:31 p.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Harborview Road.

July 20, 4:54 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

July 20, 8:56 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on California Trail.

July 21, 2:36 a.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Alderson Road.

July 21, 10:42 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

July 21, 11:20 a.m.: Traffic hazard on West Badger and Markworth roads.

July 21, 3:50 p.m.: Assist citizen

CrOssWOrd

compound

22. Swiss river (alt. spelling)

27. Former French coin

28. Electronic countermeasures

29. Taxi

31. Helps little firms

32. Woeful

33. Midway between northeast and east

37. Glowing 38. Tasks which should be done

39. An informal body of friends

40. Intrinsic nature

41. Neural structures

42. Brews

43. Where ships unload cargo

44. Singer

47. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

48. Southwest Scotland town

49. Most worthless parts

51. Viscous 52. Put to work

53. Old world, new 58. Swiss river

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

on Cotterill Boulevard.

July 21, 5:43 p.m.: Traffic arrest on Alderson Road.

July 21, 6:07 p.m.: Traffic arrest on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

July 21, 7:22 p.m.: Traffic arrest on Main Street, Custer.

July 21, 9:31 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Fishermans Bend Lane.

July 21, 11:26 p.m.: Shots on Maple Crest Avenue.

July 22, 12:51 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Masterson Road.

July 22, 9:55 p.m.: Overdose on Bay Road.

July 22, 11:15 p.m.: Fireworks on Cottonwood and Birch Bay drives.

July 23, 10:01 a.m.: Welfare check on Delta Line and H Street roads.

July 23, 3:19 p.m.: Simple assault on Semiahmoo Drive.

July 24, 2:53 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Velvet Lane, Custer.

July 24, 2:44 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Kickerville Road.

July 24, 9:15 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Fawn Crescent Road.

July 24, 10:13 p.m.: Fireworks on California Trail.

July 24, 10:14 p.m.: Shots on Blaine Road.

tides

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: Chuck Dingee. 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.

Junior Ranger Bee Program: Saturday, July 29, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center. Join our local bee educator and learn about the wonderful world of bees. We will also have a local beekeeper displaying his hive.

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.

Explore the Shore Beach Walk: Tuesday, August 1, 11 a.m., Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center. Join naturalists explore Birch Bay State Park. Discover all the creatures that live in this rocky shore habit.

National Night Out: Tuesday, August 1, 5–7 p.m., Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center. Free hot dogs and chips for the first 400 people, equipment for kids and families to check out and take photos with from Blaine Police, Border Patrol, Homeland Security, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, Washington State Patrol, Department of Fish & Wildlife, BP Cherry Point Refinery and BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

Whatcom Senior Day in the Park: Wednesday August 2,10 a.m.–2 p.m., Hovander Homestead Park,Ferndale. Connecting older adults with local resources and businesses that cater to seniors and their families. BBQ lunch, music, activities, door prizes and more. Sponsored by the Whatcom Council on Aging. Info: msimon@whatcomcoa.org.

Caring for Seniors: Saturdays, August 2 and 19, 2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Two-part seminar about increasing the awareness of seniors and their family members. Highlighting pivot points in care management and to plan for their care. Presented by Lawrence Pang. Info: wcls.org.

Tall Ship Lady Washington: Saturday, August 3–Sunday, August 6, Blaine Harbor, Gate 3. Dockside tours and info: historicalseaport.org.

Pirate Daze: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Games, mermaid photo ops, pirate parade and costume contest, food, story telling, treasure hunts, battalion water battle, Blaine Community Theater water balloon play and more. Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival: Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Harbor, gate 2. Street fair, live music, food, Northwest Steam Society steamboats. Sunday features a pet contest at 1 p.m. Info: blainebythesea.com.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5-7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info: 360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

The Bridge Food 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.

Senior Community Meals: 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.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of July 17-23, no precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation is 11.2 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 84°F on July 20 with a low of 53°F on July 18. Average high was 82°F and average low was 57°F.

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.

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

National Night Out to strengthen first responder ties to community

B y G race M c c ar T hy

National Night Out returns to Birch Bay on Tuesday, August 1 to provide an opportunity for community members to meet with local law enforcement and first responders.

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) are hosting the event at BP Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive. The WCSO will provide hot dogs, chips and water to the first 400 people.

People can take photos with Blaine Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue,

Washington State Patrol, Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife, BP and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

National Night Out is an annual event celebrated in 17,000 communities across the U.S. the first Tuesday in August.

lettuce, tomato, red onion, and house made tzatziki sauce, or

beef

featuring grilled portabella mushrooms. Served with a choice of fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

the

Photo courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Tourism CEO presents to Blaine chamber

A Blaine Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meeting on July 19 at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club focused on the improving state of local tourism with guest speaker Dylan Deane-Boyle, CEO Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, far right: Steve Seymour, Drayton Harbor Oyster; Tim Woodard, BP Cherry Point Refinery and chamber president; Alex Wenger, City of Blaine; Jacquee Sovereign, chamber executive director; Stephen Delligatti, Semiahmoo Resort; and Doug Cornelsen, Banner Bank.

Ferndale hosts Old Settlers Weekend

The longest-running annual picnic in the state is back for its 127th year. Ferndale’s Old Settlers Weekend returns on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.

This year’s event carries more significance than ever, said Old Settlers Association president Lynda Lucas.

“We’re in that process of building back,” she said, adding that after several years of scaledback celebrations, she expects three times the attendance.

This year’s event will offer many attractions returning visitors will recognize including the downtown parade, historical cabin tours, car show and live music.

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A beer garden will be available both days. Past graduating classes from Ferndale and other high schools in the county are expected to meet up for their unofficial reunion night on Friday. The annual adults dance will be held on Saturday night at the Barr Red Barn from 9 p.m. to midnight with a classic rock set list from NorthstaR.

Friday at dusk brings the hot air balloon glow to Pioneer Park. Lucas expects more participants than ever in the tethered light show.

Saturday brings more events with both the junior and grand parades starting at 11 a.m. and the classic car show running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All 14 historic log cabins will be free for viewing both days from noon to 6 p.m. Admission typically costs $5, but the Ferndale Heritage Society traditionally waives the fee for the weekend, said Linda Harkleroad, society vice president and publicity manager. The historic general store will be open and operational, said Harkleroad, who expects to sell plenty of ice cream and bottled water over the weekend.

More events planned include Ferndale Community Center’s book sale, information on family genealogy, children’s activities, crafts, vendors and food.

Most of the event’s history has focused on remembering the old settlers, Lucas said. This year, she and other planners are thinking about the influx of new settlers who have moved to the Whatcom area and are putting down their roots.

“It’s important to bring in new people to help keep this thing going,” Lucas said.

For a full list of weekend events and times, visit the association’s website at whatcomoldsettlers.com. Whatcom County Old Settlers Association is accepting volunteers to help before, during and after the celebration. For more information, reach out at whatcomoldsettlers@gmail.com.

Photo: Ruth Lauman

Photo by Louise Mugar

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