The Northern Light: August 3-9, 2023

August 3 - 9, 2023

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

New Blaine bakery serves sweets, page 3

Lady Washington tall ship returns to Blaine Harbor for maritime festival

B y M adisun T o B isch

Blaine’s annual Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival is back Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 for a pirate-themed weekend with events for the whole family (pets included). The Lady Washington tall ship will make its post-pandemic return to Blaine, which will be its only stop in Whatcom County for the year.

The Lady Washington will arrive before the festival on Thursday, August 3 and remain docked at Blaine Harbor through Sunday, August 6. The crew aboard Lady Washington will offer self-directed dockside tours open to the public by donation.

For a more immersive experience, tickets are available online for a two-hour trip around Boundary Bay or longer voyages ranging from seven to 16 hours. For more information or to get tickets, visit historicalseaport.org.

The official festival begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Blaine Chamber of Commerce will sponsor two days of crafts, vendors, games, and a scavenger hunt from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Members of the Northwest Steam Society will be in attendance with their collection of steamboats available for public viewing at Blaine Harbor. A few steam cars may be spotted going up and down Marine Drive.

Travel across the street to the Marine Park Playground on Saturday for the Pirate Daze children’s celebration sponsored by the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Concessions will be sold for $1 and there will be a photo opportunity with a mermaid. The annual pirate parade and costume contest will start around noon.

The Blaine Community Theater will present the “Pirates of Penzance” water balloon show in 30-minute intervals, sharing the stage with Blaine Public Library’s storytime. The Pirate Daze finale water balloon fight will start at 2 p.m.

Attendees can return to the boating center on Sunday for more arts, crafts and food vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pirate Pet contest, a community favorite, will start at 1 p.m. To register, participants can visit the Blaine Chamber

Youth crisis center to open in Everson, page 8

book club, page 15

Sandcastles and classic cars take over Birch Bay

s Birch Bay had a busy weekend full of impressive sand sculptures and classic vehicles for the 40th annual Sand Sculpture Competition on July 29 and Rollback Weekend on July 30. Crowds packed Birch Bay Drive to participate in the festivities, which included a vendors market, live music, pancake breakfast and family-friendly poker run. More photos on pages 6-7. Photo by Chuck Kinzer/ckimageart.com

Early August primary results show Sidhu in lead for Whatcom County Executive

Preliminary August 1 primary election results give insight into what is to come for the November 2023 general election, including the Whatcom County executive race, where incumbent Satpal Sidhu and Dan Purdy are the top two finishers so far.

The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary will move onto the November 7 election. The following results are updated as of 8 p.m. Election Day:

Six candidates vied for the county executive seat in the primary. Sidhu, who is finishing his first four-year term as executive, led the race with 34.9 per-

cent. Dan Purdy, a first-time candidate, followed in second with 28 percent of the votes. State representative Alicia Rule received 17.6 percent, county council chair Barry Buchanan received 13.9 percent, Misty Flowers received 3.2 percent and Sukhwant Gill received 2.3 percent of votes.

The Blaine school board race shows Ben Lazarus in the lead at 43 percent. Dean Berkeley was in second at 33.3 percent. Tana Perkins Reneau, who was charged with nearly a dozen counts of child abuse in June, received 23.1 percent, or 875 votes.

As for the Whatcom County Council

(See Election, page 2)

Election ...

From page 1

At Large Position B, Jon Scanlon, who has 20 years’ public policy and diplomacy experience, was taking the lead at 37.4 percent. Hannah Ordos, a customer support manager, placed second with 31.2 percent. Atul Deshmane received 21.9 percent and Jerry Burns received 9.2 percent of the votes.

Another race up for election is Whatcom County Council District 4, which represents

east of Blaine, north Whatcom County west of I-5 and the greater Lynden area. Mark Stremler, a first-time candidate and Whatcom County public works employee, was leading incumbent Kathy Kershner, 46.1 percent to 43.7 percent. Katherine Orlowski received 9.9 percent of votes.

So far, 25.4 percent of Whatcom County voters participated in the August 1 primary, according to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. Just over 40,560 ballots were tabulated on election night, and the auditor’s office estimated another 6,600 were left to count.

The next vote is scheduled 5 p.m. August 2. Ballots will be certified Tuesday, August 15. Voters will be faced with more races in the November election that were not included in the primary because they only had two candidates. Contested positions up for election will cover Blaine school board, Blaine City Council, Whatcom County Sheriff and Whatcom County Council District 5, which represents the Blaine and Birch Bay area.

For updated Whatcom County election results, visit whatcomcounty.us/1574/elections.

Photo: Ruth Lauman

A voter places their ballot in the dropbox outside of Blaine Public Library during the last hour of voting on Election Day, August 1.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

L&L Bakery makes sweet addition to downtown Blaine

Victorian Dream

2221 Cedarwood Lane • $1,849,000

5 beds, 4 baths, 4,982 sq. ft. • MLS# 20349114

Custom built Victorian style home perfectly situated on 1.6 acres. Zero step entry greets you with custom glass doors & vaulted ceiling. Main floor has primary bed & bath, parlor room, kitchen/dining space, plus French doors that open to enormous Trex deck that wraps around the home. Second story has 4 beds + 2 full baths with large hobby/craft room that connects to home office with private entry. Bonus room located on the 3rd floor, complete with dual closets and peak-a-boo water view. Basement is partially finished, great for storage or more living space. Property includes RV parking & hook-ups.

• kathystauffer.com

B y M adisun T o B isch

Peace Portal Drive is home to a sweet new storefront as of July 24, when L&L Bakery celebrated its soft opening.

The Blaine area mother-and-daughter duo, Laura Potter and Lili Adie, bring a combined love of baking and community to their first brick-and-mortar.

While their first week was busy with curious community members stopping by, Adie said familiar faces have returned during the second week to enjoy coffee and dessert at L&L’s indoor and outdoor seating.

L&L Bakery is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a menu of macaroons, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cakes and seasonal offerings.

“We have a big variety,” Potter said. “Everything tastes so good that everything is selling well.”

Adie’s childhood was filled with her mother’s desserts, especially her tres leches cake, which she would make and sell out of her home. Potter has been a certified chef and made custom cakes for over 35 years, a decade of which Adie has helped.

“From a very young age I had a love of baking and food,” Potter said. “I went to culinary school

L&L

but Lili had the vision of having more of a community.”

After Adie graduated high school, she spent a summer working at a small-town bakery in Valdez, Alaska, where she said the sense of community was as big of a draw as the desserts.

“That’s where I got the inspiration like, ‘I want that. I want a bakery where everyone can just hang out and relax,’” Adie said.

The team was ready to take their passion to the next level after Adie spent the past few years perfecting her cake artistry.

Staying true to the family business model, Potter’s daughter Adriana Martinez, who runs North Orchid Boutique, a Blaine-based online business, is responsible for the bakery’s logo, merchandise and fresh bouquets. David Rose, Potter’s fiancé, helps out behind the counter with Madison Koenig, Adie’s former classmate.

Potter and Adie still make custom cakes – where they got their start with their home bakery – although Adie said they have temporarily reduced order intake while the storefront makes its debut.

“Eventually, I want to be able to take on more, but I think having our to-go fridge with cakes might help people wanting full cakes,” Adie said.

which had its soft opening

As summer winds down, the community should stay tuned for Adie’s spin on blackberry curd, as well as more seasonal offerings that are in the works for September and October. The grand opening event has not been set, but Potter and Adie are hoping for a date in the next two weeks. For updates, visit landlbakery.com.

Magnificent home on 15 acres

9616 Harvey Road • $1,495,000

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Escape the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying the ultimate blend of convenience and tranquility. An extraordinary property, ideally situated with easy access to I-5. This hidden gem offers an expansive retreat complete with acreage, a magnificent home, and an array of desirable features that will leave you in awe. Experience the epitome of relaxation in the main floor primary suite, while the upper level features two generously-sized bedrooms and a spacious bonus room, providing ample space for guests to find their own slice of comfort.

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kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com

Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom

s Potter and Adie’s family business has always focused on custom cakes, but their brick-andmortar location now also offers macaroons, cinnamon rolls, cake by the slice as well as coffee and a place to sit and enjoy the treats.

s Lili Adie, l., and Laura Potter are the mother-daughter team behind

Bakery,

at 477 Peace Portal Drive, suite 101, on July 24.

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

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 Nolan Baker nolan@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, Jonathan Jakobitz

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 8

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

National Night Out celebrated in Birch Bay OpiniOn Letters

s Law officers, first responders and community members joined together to celebrate National Night Out at Birch Bay State Park on August 1. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office hosted the event, which is held annually across the U.S. as a way to strengthen ties between those who serve and their communities.

The Editor:

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) was contacted in early 2022 regarding the sign located at Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive. There was interest in who owned it and how it could be acquired.

Not knowing, the BBCC reached out to the city of Blaine, and received vague information on the ownership and process for acquisition. The Birch Bay chamber does not have any documentation proving or claiming ownership of the sign in its possession; we later learned that this sign was originally purchased by the resort association that later created the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. No one from the BBCC has had any communication regarding this sign since early 2022.

Derek Jones, chamber president Birch Bay

The Editor:

Why in the world wouldn’t Birch Bay want the representation that would come with becoming a ‘real’ Whatcom County city? Everyone agrees that Birch Bay is a popular visitor destination as well as a unique year-round community. Family-oriented for over 100 years, visitors and residents alike love it for the beaches, the activities and memories of its past.

Now with a population over 10,000 and growing, we can’t continue to live in the past. As a community, we need to develop strong goals and concepts for future development. Decisions are being made by Whatcom County planners, along with out-of-town developers, that have proven detrimental to our community’s wellbeing.

Where are the public bathrooms and parking spaces that were planned to be completed long before this year? Money

A note from the publisher ...

Point Roberts Press is pleased to announce that Nolan Baker has joined the company as reporter for The Northern Light and editor of Mount Baker Experience.

Born and raised in Seattle, Nolan Baker was a former Point Roberts Press intern in 2021 during his time at Western Washington University’s school of journalism. Since graduating, Nolan completed a six-month internship at Cascadia Daily News in Bellingham, and worked as an editor for CougFan.com, a CBS Sports affiliate.

When Nolan isn’t reporting and editing for Point Roberts Press, you can find him hiking through the North Cascades,

road cycling around Whatcom County, or camping at Baker Lake.

Nolan replaces Ian Haupt who has left to return home to Oregon and pursue other opportunities in the journalism field. Ian did an excellent job reporting on local issues whose outstanding work on The Northern Light and Mount Baker Experience led to numerous industry awards. We wish him well in the future.

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,

for this project mysteriously disappeared and, if not for a few alert members of the Birch Bay chamber, it would not even be back on the funding agenda for 2025. It seems that ‘unincorporated’ Birch Bay is an underrepresented afterthought for funds and plans.

I couldn’t believe that Whatcom County Public Works scheduled July to tear up our main tourist artery, Birch Bay Drive, in the middle of our busy tourist season. Luckily, construction was rescheduled as Issaquah-based Lakeside Industries didn’t understand the complexity of digging up areas of Birch Bay, and had not filed the required critical project application.

We need to have a Birch Bay voice. As a city, we would have an elected city council that could analyze the needs and concerns of our citizens and visitors and speak with authority for Birch Bay. There would be town meetings where you could voice your opinion.

In fact, they would probably be publicized in The Northern Light, not in the Bellingham Herald to which only 224 Birch Bay residents subscribe. The well-known stop sign issue at Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road could have been averted had people known to attend this critical decision-making meeting.

Understanding the pros and cons of incorporating Birch Bay should be everybody’s goal, so one day we can all make an intelligent decision either way. Incorporatebirchbay.com.

Sharman Burnam

Birch Bay

(See Letters, next page)

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.

Photos by Molly Ernst

The Editor:

As a child in my growing years, I spent every summer traveling from Seattle on Aurora Avenue by old Highway 99 for summers in Birch Bay. The long, tenuous trip that ended by seeing the arrow sign pointing to Birch Bay – shouting, “We are here, yahoo!”

A historical arrow sign that points the way to Birch Bay. The sign now has been moved and placed at a bar in Birch Bay. Let’s get together and replace our Birch Bay sign back to its original place for Birch Bay visitors and families to see “we are here” in Birch Bay.

A resident for the past 30 years and business owner, I was so dismayed to see it gone.

Sheryl Hull Cline Birch Bay

The Editor:

As a person who grew up on the shores of Birch Bay playing on its sandy beaches, when not working at my father’s resort, I am greatly saddened by the mysterious removal of the aging yellow arrow with its slightly faded red lettering at the corner of Peace Portal and Bell roads.

My father and mother had a tavern and Olympic-sized public swimming pool at Birch Bay. The Workshop Tavern was actually my father’s workshop when I was a kid. So many fascinating things were built in that shop. (Oddly enough I grew up in the building that now sports the sign off its side).

As a child, I would see the Birch Bay sign twice a day riding the school bus back and forth from the Blaine school campus. Obviously, I hold many dear warm memories of my childhood in Birch Bay, which include proudly acknowledging my parents’ contribution to the fun and attractions of Birch Bay.

I honestly feel the sign should be restored to its accustomed position. I recall as a kid my mother and father discussing the sign and that it was in need of fresh paint probably in the mid-60s. I feel the former resort owners who formed the previous Birch Bay Resort Owner Association would roll over in their graves if they knew of the sign’s new place. They too would hold the same strong allegiance to that sign as I hold today.

I ask that the person now in the possession of the iconic sign to please offer up proof of ownership. To include what he paid for our piece of history which now is a mere conversation piece at his resort. Thank you.

Catherine Goff

Birch Bay

The Editor:

Thanks for the great job you’re doing on The Northern Light I would love to see a weekly column on disposing of “stuff” such as used batteries, light bulbs, expired food items, expired meds, etc.

Nancy Kaye

Birch Bay

Blaine planning director takes job in Mount Vernon

Stacie Pratschner is set to have her last day as director of the city of Blaine’s Community and Development Services (CDS) Department on Friday, August 4 after taking a position with the city of Mount Vernon.

Pratschner will take the helm of the city of Mount Vernon’s Planning and Development Services Department as director. Pratschner said the new position, which starts August 21, will provide additional career growth.

“I’m so grateful that I have been able to serve the citizens of Blaine these past four-and-a-half years,” she said. “When I started here, I was immediately made to feel welcomed and that has continued throughout my tenure here. I believe this city is poised for a really productive future.”

In February 2019, Pratschner joined Blaine as CDS director after working as the long-range

planning manager for Skagit County Planning and Development Services Department.

During Pratschner’s leadership, the city switched to a hearing examiner model for quasi-judicial public hearings, which improved the permit process, and she oversaw the busiest year the city had for building and land-use permits, in 2022. Pratschner was also involved in the beginning of the ongoing downtown revitalization project.

“For us, in this department, it was really exciting to work with the community and to see the community further grow and take shape,” she said.

The CDS Department, typically staffed by six people, will be down to three employees when Pratschner leaves as the city is currently without a building official and planner.

City manager Michael Harmon said in an email that the city is contracted with an outside

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company to provide commercial building plan reviews and building inspections. The city is actively searching to fill the three positions, Harmon said, adding that the interim director of the CDS department will be publicly named once union negotiations are finalized.

CITY OF BLAINE

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

Thursday, August 10 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commissions Meeting *CANCELLED*

Monday, August 14 5:00pm – Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. 5:30pm – Board and Committee Interviews. 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Tuesday, August 15 10:00am – Hearing Examiner: Public Hearing for Portal Business Park Conditional Use Permit

Tuesday, August 22 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting

Marine Park Partial Closure

Saturday, August 5 • 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The middle of Marine Park will be closed for a 5 to 10 minute firework display by Fireworks Northwest LLC. The playground and other park facilities will remain open during this time. Thank you.

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.

Sue and Brian Hagan

Nancy Kaye

Susan and Jeff Hodgin

Andrew Kalik

Michelle Nilsen

s Stacie Pratschner. File photo

Gina Adams and Cat Warwick present their artfully crafted wines from Prosser and beyond

Birch Bay celebrates 40th annual Sand Sculpture Competition

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the 40th annual Sand Sculpture Competition on July 29. Below are the winners.

Family Division: Sandy’s Sand Sculptors (1st), Sandbox Rejects (2nd) and The Birch Bay Raptor Pack (3rd)

Community Division: Sand-tas-

tic Caregivers (1st) and Butterfly Duo (2nd)

Big Kids Division: Mistah Squad 6 (1st), Sandy Shorts (2nd) and Chum (3rd)

Little Kids Division: Wilson Bros (1st) and City Slickers (2nd)

from Italy, 16 yrs.

Loves to play baseball and spend time with his dogs.

Giorgio also plays the guitar, and his dream is to join a drama club at his American high school.

Call Diane at 1-657-363-7784 or Amy at 1-800-733-2773 host.asse.com or email info@asse.com

Photos by Chuck Kinzer/ckimageart.com

Rollback Weekend 2023

Eye-catching vehicles lined Birch Bay for Rollback Weekend on July 30. The event, put on by Birch Bay Chamber of Com-

merce, also included live music and a vendors market.

Photos by Chuck Kinzer/ckimageart.com

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Health & Wellness

Youth crisis triage and resource office to open in Everson

B y M adisun T o B isch

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for a youth crisis triage intensive outpatient unit and nonprofit youth resource center are set for noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, August 17 at 103 W. Main Street in Everson.

Blaine-based TouchStone

Behavioral Health received a $900,000 grant last December for the acquisition, construction and renovation of the outpatient unit and resource center as part of Washington’s Behavioral Health Facilities capital program.

The outpatient unit will provide intervention care, counseling, and triage to youths up to age 18. The unit can serve each patient for up to 24 hours and has the capacity to serve 16 people, event coordinator Becky Raney said.

Youths struggling with mental health issues, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying and other crises can visit the center for intervention, emotional support and guidance.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in Everson’s historic Mades Building, where the outpatient unit and youth resource center are located. Recent renovations have been made to include space for counseling offices, a registered nurse and trained technicians, according to a TouchStone news release.

The open house will include refreshments, vendors and music. It will also allow parents, teachers and community members to take a guided tour through the facility.

Guest speakers will share stories focused on the importance of intervention and support for youths in crisis. To RSVP for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visit bit.ly/47furJe.

“We consistently hear from residents about the barriers to accessing services throughout Whatcom County,” said Ron Warner, Whatcom County Health and Community Services communication specialist in an email. “Locating services in rural parts

of the county greatly increases access where few resources exist.”

The location will serve the needs of youth from Snohomish to Whatcom counties, Raney said, adding that the Nooksack Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation may also benefit from the location of the Everson site.

TouchStone recently submitted a grant application that, if approved, could result in a 16bed facility for overnight and extended stays of up to 90 days.

The youth resource center focuses on offering a welcoming and safe space for children and adolescents. In the future, Raney said the center hopes to see community organizations and volunteers offer mentorship, lessons and activities for the youths visiting the Everson center.

The facility will start with a soft opening that will continue through September 21.

“We hope to see greater access to care for Whatcom County youth, so our kids can get the services and support they need,” Warner said.

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s Blaine-based TouchStone Counseling received a $900,000 state grant last year to open the youth intensive outpatient unit and resource center in Everson. The building will be staffed with counselors, trained technicians and a registered nurse to provide services to children and teenagers in northwest Washington.

Photo courtesy Becky Raney

s Everson’s historic Mades Building, 103 W. Main Street, will house both a youth crisis triage intensive outpatient unit and youth resource center. After undergoing several months of renovations, the new facilities will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, August 17.

Photo by Madisun Tobisch

Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

Two providers join Birch Bay Family Medicine

Birch Bay Family Medicine recently welcomed Ryan Willis and Ashley Harmon to the medical clinic. The two providers are registered nurses with advanced training.

Willis believes in treating patients holistically, and Harmon is passionate about providing care to people of all ages, especially in a rural medical setting, according to a July 13 Family Care Network (FCN) press release.

People can schedule an appointment with Willis or Harmon by calling Birch Bay Family Medicine at 360/371-5855.

FCN is a locally owned healthcare network operating 11 prima-

ry care clinics and three urgent care locations in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Foods to keep cholesterol in check

Diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol numbers. Although the level of cholesterol in a person’s blood is partly due to factors related to heredity, the foods one eats also affect cholesterol levels.

When doctors discuss cholesterol with their patients, they may refer to total cholesterol, bad cholesterol and good cholesterol. What does that mean?

Total cholesterol is the combined number of cholesterol in the blood, and should be below 200. Good cholesterol is known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and ideally it should be above 60. Bad, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, should be below 100, says the Cleveland Clinic. A person who has a poor lipoprotein profile may be instructed to alter their diet. Learning which foods might help is an important tool in managing cholesterol and triglyceride numbers.

Oats and more Individuals likely have heard

Health screenings offered August 14

Life Line Screening will offer health screenings at Life Impact Valley Church on Monday, August 14.

Blaine area residents can learn about their risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious health conditions. The screening checks include artery plaque buildup, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and kidney and thyroid function.

Preregistration is required, and special package pricing starts at $159.

Life Impact Valley Church is located in suite 260 at 1733 H Street, in the Cost Cutter plaza. For more information, visit lifelinescrening. com or call 877/237-1287.

CTK Church North Bay hosting blood drive

Christ the King (CTK) Community Church in Birch Bay has about 20 openings for its blood drive on Tuesday, August 8. The church will host the blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 8 at CTK North Bay, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Preregistration is required and each appointment takes one hour. People who are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood every 56 days. Participants must be over 18 years old but 16– and 17–years–olds can donate if they have a signed Bloodworks Northwest permission form.

cific Northwest. About 1,000 donors are needed per day to maintain an adequate blood supply, according to Bloodworks, and a critical blood supply projected for the first week of August.

To register or for more information, visit schedule. bloodworksNW.org.

that oatmeal is good for helping reduce cholesterol numbers. Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which lowers LDL cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Oat bran and other high-fiber grains also are good to enjoy.

Legumes and produce

Eggplant, okra, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, pears, apples, and more also can be effective at lowering cholesterol levels. These foods tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats but high in soluble fiber.

Nuts

Almond, walnuts and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can lower cholesterol levels by raising the levels of HDL cholesterol. Nuts like almonds also are high in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can keep the body healthy in a number of ways. Since nuts are high in calories, it is important to eat them in moderation.

Fatty fish

Eating fish over other meat-based

protein sources helps reduce caloric intake. It also means the body gains the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

Sterols and stanols

Sterols and stanols are components of plants that gum up the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from food, says Harvard Health. Companies add them to foods like margarine and granola bars as supplements. Roughly two grams of plant sterols a day can reduce LDL by 10 percent.

Avocados and olives

Both of these foods are good sources of fiber and also monounsaturated fats that can help improve HDL and lower LDL levels. Substitute olive and avocado oils for lard and butter when cooking to improve cholesterol levels. Certain foods can be beneficial for improving cholesterol numbers. Focusing on the positive can help people feel less restricted by healthy eating plans.

Bloodworks Northwest provides blood to over 95 percent of hospitals in the Pa-

Birch Bay Family Medicine is located at 8097 Harborview Road.

s Ryan Willis. s Ashley Harmon.

Festival ...

From page 1

of Commerce information booth with their dog, cat or other costumed pet.

“It doesn’t take long, about a half an hour, but it gathers quite a crowd, and it’s a lot of fun,” said chamber volunteer Carroll Solomon, recalling one year when a rooster with plenty of personality took first prize.

This year, even though the

historic Plover passenger ferry won’t be operational for trips between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit, the celebration stretches to Semiahmoo Park, where the Alaskan Packers Association Museum will be open from 1-5 p.m. during the weekend. Stop by to learn about the historic and influential fishing practices of the region.

For more information on the event or volunteer opportunities, call the Blaine Chamber of Commerce at 360/332-6485.

City of Blaine accepting tourism grant applications

People with ideas to boost tourism in Blaine have the opportunity to make those thoughts a reality as Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) accepts grant proposals for 2024.

BTAC is accepting tourism proposals through 9 a.m. Friday, September 8. Applications should include a project de-

scription, fundraising information and how the project improves tourism. Applications can be submitted to Alex Wenger, the city’s economic development and tourism coordinator, at awenger@cityofblaine.com. The application is available on the city’s website, at bit.ly/3OBcpJh

s The tall ship Lady Washington entering Drayton Harbor.

Photo by Mike Ross

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.

Electric

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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 Fir Street, Blaine, WA. Tank capacities are 500 gallon

Auto

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Legal

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.

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

Business Services

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.

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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Janice K. Joseph, Deceased. NO. 234-00741-37. NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.42.030. JUDGE: David E. Freeman

The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the abovenamed decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.

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 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’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 notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of:

(1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(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 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: August 3, 2023

The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on July 24, 2023, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct.

Notice Agent: Barbara J. Buckley

9 Byron Circle, Mill Vallley, CA 98941

Attorney for notice agent: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp

301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County

Cause Number: 23-4-00741-37

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-

Man arrested on assault, warrants at Birch Bay State Park

B y G race M c c ar T hy

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies assisted Washington State Parks (WSP) with arresting a man for fourth-degree assault and outstanding warrants near Birch Bay State Park on July 29.

Four WCSO deputies responded to assist WSP officers about

5:50 p.m. on July 29, WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater said. WSP later booked a 45-year-old man for fourth-degree domestic violence assault into Whatcom County Jail, according to jail booking data.

The man was also arrested on seven warrants from Washington State Patrol, WCSO and Lynden Police Department that included

OBITUARY

Douglas Alexander Robertson

June 8, 1943 – July 16, 2023

first-degree possession of a stolen firearm, first-degree possession of stolen property, second-degree identity theft, possession of drugs by prisoner, second-degree vehicle prowl, third-degree theft and driving without a license, according to jail booking data.

The man remained incarcerated in Whatcom County Jail as of August 1.

Road Rules: Illegal road signs

B y d ou G d ahl

Question: I was on a state highway and saw what I thought was a stop sign posted on the side of the road, not near an intersection. As I got closer, I saw that the sign actually said “shop” and was in front of a store. Other than the change from ‘t’ to ‘h’ it looked like an official stop sign. Is that legal?

Answer: There’s a line somewhere between clever marketing and criminal behavior. Remember the Fyre Festival? That was the once-in-a-lifetime music festival on an island in the Bahamas with luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and a line-up of famous bands. Sounds like catnip for influencers, right? In reality, attendees were housed in disaster relief tents with rain-soaked mattresses, served pre-packaged cheese sandwiches, and the bands didn’t show up. That kind of misleading marketing gets you a six-year prison sentence and 26 million dollars of restitution. In comparison, putting up a “shop” sign that looks like a stop sign seems benign. But it’s probably illegal. Not Fyre Festival illegal, but enough to have the sign removed without notice. The law says, in part, that “No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway

any unauthorized sign which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device.”

The same law also says that you can put a sign on private property adjacent to highways “giving useful directional information” as long as it’s “of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.”

Before we get to this specific situation, I think we can agree that, generally speaking, we don’t want people putting up what appear to be legitimate road signs just because they have a personal opinion on traffic management in their neighborhood.

You shouldn’t be allowed to swap a stop sign for a yield sign or bump up the speed limit from 25 to 35 mph with traffic signs you bought on the internet, just to reduce your commute time.

However, I doubt that the store owner had any intention of bringing drivers to a stop on a state highway. More likely, they thought the sign was a clever way to draw attention to their store. Before reaching a final answer, we should ask a couple more questions.

Question one: Is the sign within the highway right-of-way or is it on private property? If it’s in the right-of-way, it’s clearly not legal. According to the Washington Department of Transportation,

“Only official traffic control signs may be placed in the state highway right-of-way. All other signs are illegal and will be removed by maintenance crews.” (Local rules apply to local roads.)

Question two: Does this sign resemble an official traffic-control device, and can it be mistaken for an official sign? From your description the answer is, at least from a distance, yes. Upon closer observation though, it became clear that it wasn’t an official sign. I thought this could go either way until I came across an open letter from Washington DOT addressed to political candidates. In it they state, “a campaign sign cannot be designed in a manner that resembles an official traffic control sign.” Presumably, a candidate isn’t going to put up an exact replica of a traffic sign, so this implies that installing a self-designed sign that resembles the official version is not allowed.

We all want to be working from the same page (or same sign) when we’re driving, so putting up a sign that looks like the real thing, whether to intentionally mislead a driver or not, is a violation of the law.

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

First sand sculpture winner returns as judge

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Douglas Alexander Robertson, our beloved father, a dedicated husband and serviceman. Doug passed away on July 16, 2023, in Carlsbad, CA surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Fort Collins, CO, on June 8, 1943, and raised in Ballard, WA. Doug served a distinguished career in the U.S. military before planting his roots in Blaine and Birch Bay. A place that held a special place in his heart and a community he proudly called home for over 50 years.

His bravery and commitment to protecting others extended beyond his military service, as he selflessly volunteered as a firefighter and battalion chief for over 26 years at Station 63 (formerly Station 13).

Doug worked tirelessly for his community by volunteering at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Doug also was a general contractor throughout Whatcom county for 40 years, leaving a lasting impact on many commercial and residential properties throughout the county.

Doug survived his wife of 50 years, Betty Robertson, who passed in 2021 to Alzheimer’s disease. Left to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Lawrie Robertson and Ian Robertson, along with his loving daughters and son in-laws, Shela Tussy, Daniel Tussy, Lori Robertson Stutevoss, and Tony Stutevoss. His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

s Robert Linn, who said he won the first-ever Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition in 1961, traveled to Birch Bay to judge the competition on July 29. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce had advertised this year’s event as the 40th annual, but now chamber director Danielle Gaughen said it may date further back than they originally thought. From l.; Gaughen; Linn; Sacha Sanguinetti, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce event coordinator; and Heather Lindsay, director of Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

Photo courtesy Danielle Gaughen

sheriff’s repOrts

July 25, 11:57 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on H Street and Sunrise roads.

July 25, 3:04 p.m.: Liquor law violation on Alderson Road and Birch Bay Drive.

July 25, 3:49 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Velvet Lane, Custer.

July 26, 9:46 a.m. : Theft cold call on Beachcomber Drive.

July 26, 12:54 p.m.: Threat cold call on Harborview Road.

July 26, 3:47 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Harborview Road.

July 27, 11:28 a.m.: Custodial interference on Breeze Loop.

July 27, 5:45 p.m.: Subject stop on Birch Bay Drive.

July 27, 8:15 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Velvet Lane, Custer.

July 28, 9:07 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Alderson Road.

July 28, 9:25 p.m.: Motor vehicle injury on Blaine Road.

July 29, 6:02 a.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads.

July 29, 2:05 p.m.: Domestic order violation cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

July 29: 5:52 p.m.: Assist agency on Birch Bay Drive. Warrant arrest.

July 30, 6:31 a.m.: Assist agency

on Stein Road, Custer.

July 30, 9:43 a.m.: Drugs on Birch Bay Drive.

July 30, 10:26 a.m.: Theft cold call on Halibut Drive.

July 30, 4:21 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on East Street.

Coming up

July 30, 5:12 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Richmond Park Road.

July 30, 7:16 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Kickerville Road.

July 30, 5:54 p.m.: Impound private on Ramona Lane, Custer.

pOLiCe repOrts

July 21, 12:59 p.m.: Animal problem on Leighton Street.

July 21, 5:58 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Baldwin Place.

July 21, 6:24 p.m.: Theft on Semiahmoo Parkway.

July 21, 8:12 p.m.: Theft on H Street.

July 22, 4:57 p.m.: Whatcomm record on McMillan Avenue.

July 23, 4:26 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on 8th Street.

J uly 23, 9:45 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Peace Portal Drive.

July 24, 1:33 a.m.: Shots on Mary Avenue.

July 24, 7:24 a.m.: Shots on Bayview Avenue.

July 24, 6:42 p.m.: Domestic verbal on 3rd Street.

July 24, 8:48 p.m.: Traffic hazard

CrOssWOrd

44. Traveled all over

Thin, straight bar

Body art (slang)

No seats available

Indian music

8. Decorated

9. Take a seat

10. Belonging to a bottom layer

11. Member of a Semitic people

12. Part of a ticket

13. Defunct Guinean money

21. Challenges

23. Popular BBQ food

25. Subway dweller

26. By way of 27. Shady garden alcove

28. Egyptian city 29. Partner to “flowed”

32. Widens 33. Old Eurasian wheat 34. Act incorrectly 36. European pipeline 37. Al Bundy’s wife 38. Ocean 40. Root eaten as a vegetable 41. Sound units 43. Style of music 44. A way to drench 46. Hot beverage 47. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish 49. Rumanian city

on Drayton Harbor Road.

July 25, 12:15 p.m.: Bicycle theft on Semiahmoo Parkway.

July 26, 1:23 p.m.: Non-blocking, non-injury motor vehicle accident on 12th Street.

July 26, 4:02 p.m.: Assist agency on C Street.

July 27, 1:51 a.m.: Extra patrol on Borderite Way.

July 27, 11:57 a.m.: Threat on E Street.

July 27, 11:19 p.m.: Subject stop on 3rd Street.

July 28, 12:25 p.m.: Non-blocking, non-injury motor vehicle accident on H Street.

July 28, 1:44 p.m.: Assist citizen on G Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

50. Urge to action

51. Vaccine developer

52. Canadian law enforcers

53. Wings

54. “Perry Mason” actor Raymond

57. Small fry

58. __ Clapton, musician

59. Take a chance

61. Bland food

62. Consumed

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, August 3, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: The Sixties. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 4, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Sam Halbert and Friends. Info: thevaultwine.com.

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 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.

Hunters of the Sky: Saturday, August 5, 6 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardis Raptor Center show off up to four different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, raptor’s role in the environment and much more. Please bring chairs.

Blood Drive: Tuesday, August 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Christ the King - North Bay Church parking lot. Book appointments at schedule.bloodworksnw.org.

Community Rock Painting: Tuesday, August 8, 4–6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Free to the community. Ages 6 and up. Info: 332-8040.

Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team Training: Friday, August 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., RE Sources main room, 2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham. Help make a difference for the environment with beached bird and marine debris training. Info: fb.me/e/CbyHM5Lx.

Northwest Steam Society 50th Anniversary Steamboat Meet: Friday, August 11, noon–6 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 9 a.m– 5 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 9 a.m.–noon, Blaine Harbor. Steam car and steam boat rides and more. Free.

Live Music at the Park: Friday, August 11, 7 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Come listen to the Big Band Sound, March band tunes and more! Bring a chair and a picnic to enjoy an Evening with Music at the park.

Tide Pool Exploration: Saturday, August 12, 9 a.m. Meet at Birch Bay State Park bp Heron Center. Explore the tide pools in Birch Bay State Park with a marine naturalist.

Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, August 12, noon–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Lunch available for $8. Info: 360/332-8040.

Caring for Seniors: Saturdays, August 12 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.

Sip and Paint Fundraiser: Saturday, August 12, 5–7 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Join local artists Doug Parent and learn how to paint a beautiful sunset. Cost: $50, includes supplies and charcuterie. Fundraiser for the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express project. Limited space available. Register: wcls.libcal.com/event/10608865.

Song and Sunflowers: Saturday, August 12, 6–9 p.m, Home Farm U-Pick & Events, 8020 Kickerville Road. A relaxing evening of natural beauty and song at the farm featuring Veronica North. Limited tickets available. Info: homefarm.farm.

Tide Pool Exploration: Tuesday, August 15, 11 a.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park bp Heron Center. Explore the tide pools in Birch Bay State Park with a marine naturalist.

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 24-30, 0.6 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 yearto-date precipitation is 11.8 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 79°F on July 30 with a low of 54°F on July 26. Average high was 76°F and average low was 56°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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.

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.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Blaine book club review: “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel

B y J ona T han J ako B i T z , B ranch M ana G er

Emily St. John Mandel’s latest work, “Sea of Tranquility,” takes readers on a journey across space and time in hopes of understanding a mysterious anomaly. Spanning from the northern reaches of Vancouver Island to the lunar colonies and ranging from 1912 to 2401, this story is a reminder of what things truly matter to us as humans: What principles guide us, what values drive us and what we are willing to sacrifice to those ends.

At the center of “Sea of Tranquility” is the mystery of a time anomaly. In search of answers to that mystery, the plot proceeds in a near chiastic structure, jumping incrementally forward in time, and then receding back along the same path. This progression allows the reader to return to

characters met earlier on while bringing fresh insights to these scenes. Unlike many other time jumping works of speculative fiction, “Tranquility” excels at bringing together its various narrative threads to weave a cohesive tale with simplicity and brevity, guiding the reader on a journey across time without the need for flow charts or margin notes to decipher it all in the end.

“Tranquility” (2022) is, like many other recently published works, clearly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Pre- and post-pandemics loom large in various eras of the plot. While many other works of pandemic-fiction can feel a bit overwrought and trying today, “Tranquility” handles the subject with enough tact and subtlety to keep the reader engaged, rather than triggered or put off.

The protagonists vary era by era;

and given the work’s structure, we don’t meet the main protagonist until halfway through the book. But once on the scene, protagonist Gaspery Roberts’ investigation into the anomaly brings order to the disparate vignettes, and a resolution to the work’s arc.

This isn’t a book that ends with resounding deep insight, but rather one that brings moments of joy and insight along the way. “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel is available in a variety of formats at wcls.org.

“Sea of Tranquility” is the August selection for the Books and Bites book group. Read the book and then join Books and Bites at Blaine Public Library on Friday, August 18, at 1 p.m., for a time of lively conversation. For more information, visit bit.ly/3Kmq6KC.

Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of Blaine Public Library.

s Blaine Public Library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz holds a copy of “Sea of Tranquility” by author Emily St. John Mandel. “Sea of Tranquility” is the August selection for the monthly Books and Bites book club, which will be held Friday, August 18 at the Blaine library.

Photo courtesy Jonathan Jakobitz