Feasibility study underway for Blaine library and affordable housing
B y G race M c c arthy
Several agencies and organizations are in the early stages of considering whether a mixed-use building with a library and about 60 affordable and market-rate apartments could be constructed at the current Blaine library site.
Project spokesperson Paul Schissler, a consultant at Madrona Community Development, gave a project update to Blaine City Council during its September 25 meeting. The feasibility study, he said, is expected to be finished in December and will include a preliminary rendering and cost estimate.
“The project seemed to be well received from council members but we have a lot more analysis to do,” Schissler said.
Kulshan Community Land Trust (KCLT), an affordable housing nonprofit, initiated the project after it received funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the feasibility study. KCLT, which owns the land under its homes to preserve the affordability if the homeowner decides to sell, received support from its project partners, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) and city of Blaine.
The project geared up in late May, when city council approved a feasibility study to determine if a mixed-use building could be built at the current Blaine Public Library site and surrounding area.
Zervas Architects is designing a 10,000-square-foot library on the first floor and affordable and market-rate apartments above. The affordable units would be for households with $60,000 to $100,000 gross incomes and, if there’s enough subsidy, Schissler said the site could potentially have small apartments for people with household incomes of $40,000.
Roughly 60 units could be built with current parking requirements, but Schissler added that the right-of-ways on 3rd, 4th and G streets could accommodate more parking. If there is more
Blaine school board approves levy and bond measures for February ballots
B y P at G ru BB
Blaine school district board members unanimously approved placing separate levy and bond requests on the February 13 special election next year at their regular monthly board meeting held at the Point Roberts primary school. Board member Kimberley Akre was absent.
Called an enrichment levy, the levy is similar to what used to be called a Maintenance and Operations Levy (M&O), but has tighter state conditions applied against
it. The four-year, $7.5 million levy will replace an expiring levy and will maintain the existing tax rate depending upon assessment values in the district. The levy will increase to $7.85 million in 2026, $8.25 million in 2027 and $8.5 million in 2028. In 2025, based upon a rate of $0.98 per $1,000 valuation, a home valued at $500,000 would pay $490 annually.
The enrichment levy currently funds slightly over 17 percent of the district’s operating budget and is used to pay for, among other things, enhanced staffing
units, substitute staffing, extracurricular activities, staff compensation (beyond state formulas), routine maintenance, transportation, food service, utilities and expanded curriculum adoptions.
According to the district, the average tax rate for county school enrichment levies is $1.58 per $1,000. In order to pass, 50 percent of voters plus one need to approve the measure. There is no minimum number of voters required in order to pass, unlike a
(See School, page 3)
City council faces tough budget decisions
B y G race M c c arthy
Blaine City Council is facing tough decisions this fall as it decides what essential services, including multiple staff positions, it needs to save the city from eating into its reserves.
Council reviewed the city’s proposal for the 2024 general fund during a study session before the September 25 meeting. These budget cuts are much more severe than those made during the pandemic because those reductions whittled the budget
to essential services, while these will cut essential services, city manager Mike Harmon said during the meeting.
“We’re beyond the point of having a budget where we have things we can’t afford,” he said. “We have a budget that’s providing a level of service that we can no longer afford.”
(See Project, page 5) (See
The city had an 11 percent increase in expenditures from 2021 to 2022, and then another 12 percent expenditures increase from 2022 to 2023. If council adopts the drafted 2024 budget, the city would remain
in a deficit of $366,000, Harmon said.
“We have a structural problem,” Harmon said. “Simply said, our expenditures are outpacing our revenues.” The city’s financial problems have come from a combination of issues. High inflation has increased salary and wage expenses, especially in the general fund where most are located. The city is also transferring money from its general fund to the street fund, which is hurting because the
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September 28 - October 4, 2023 FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay TheNorthernLight @TNLreporter @TheNorthernLightNews TheNorthernLight.com INSIDE IN THIS ISSUE Blaine schools to get behavioral health coach, page 6
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2 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023 4 pm - Kids Crafts, Bouncy House (weather depending) Ping Pong, Bingo & Fun 5 pm - Community Chili Cook Off 6 pm - Community Pie Baking Contest All entries for chili cookoff & pie contest due at 3:30 7 pm - Line Dancing FREE EVENT! All Are Welcome! For info, Call 360-332-6589 Grace Lutheran Church "We Are Grace" 702 G Street • www.blainegracelutheran.com
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bond measure that requires 60 percent approval (plus one) with a minimum turnout of 40 percent of the voters who participated in the last general election.
The board also approved placing a $70 million bond levy on the same February ballot that would be paid from local property taxes for up to 25 years. According to the district’s financial projections, the tax rate would not exceed current levels as existing capital levy and capital bonds roll off the books. The tax rate is projected to go down to $0.76 in 2024 and remain flat for the life of the bonds.
A house assessed at $500,000 in 2025 would pay $380.
The bond would pay for improvements to the Pipeline Athletic Complex, Point Roberts Primary School (playground and exterior lighting), replacement of aging and outdated instructional spaces at the middle school, upgrades to the Performing Arts Center, preliminary design for the proposed Birch Bay school and updates to electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Projects would be undertaken following design and other preliminary work with timelines ranging from 2024 until 2027.
School district superintendent
Christopher Granger emphasized that the projects were selected by a facilities committee comprised of staff, parents and community members.
“We’re hopeful that with time
to communicate between now and then, we can get support behind what we’re asking for because it’s really neat and the district has done a fantastic job in taking care of its facilities,” Granger said. “I think educating people on the benefits to students
is really important.”
As mentioned previously, a bond measure requires a 60 per cent approval with a minimum turnout of 40 percent of the previous general election. The motion to place the bond on the February ballot passed 4-0.
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New Blaine police officer sworn in OpiniOn Letters
The Editor: I am one of many Whatcom County Council District 5 residents who have awaited the opportunity to replace incumbent councilmember Ben Elenbaas with someone who will truly represent us. Ben has carried the banner of “No way, no how” far too long.
Jackie Dexter is the candidate we’ve been waiting for. As an aquaculturist and sustainable farmer who works at the Drayton Harbor Oyster Farm, Jackie is committed to balancing jobs and the environment. She wants to improve economic opportunities for working families in order to keep people out of homelessness. Her focus will include the working waterfront at Blaine.
Jackie and her husband have lived in
Whatcom County for over 18 years and are raising their children in Blaine. She has served as a member of the Whatcom Marine Resource Committee and as a volunteer for the Blaine Elementary School PTO. She supports expanding childcare and early learning, and extending internet access to all corners of the county.
Above all, she will be a fresh, candid, authentic voice on county council. She wants to hear and learn from all district constituents and is eager to truly represent us all. I, in turn, am eager to bring her positive, dynamic energy to the council and invite you to join me in voting for Jackie
Dexter.
Myra Ramos Lummi Island
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: Meetings are second Tues-
Correction
In the September 21 issue of The Northern Light, an article titled, “Planning commission approves manufactured home parks, but in smaller zoning area” incorrectly stated the number of people who spoke for and against the parks during the planning commission public comment. Five people spoke against, and three in support of the parks.
We regret the error.
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
day, 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.
4 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023
Next issue: Oct. 5 Ads due: Sept. 29
s Mayor Mary Lou Steward swore in Brandon Wasilchen as Blaine Police Department’s newest officer during the Blaine City Council meeting on September 25. Wasilchen, 29, was an officer at Bremerton Police Department before moving to Whatcom County in 2020. He worked as a corrections officer at Whatcom County Jail before joining Blaine Police Department. Wasilchen, his wife and three children live in Lynden. Photo by Grace McCarthy
s A feasibility study is evaluating whether a mixed-use library and affordable housing project could be built where the Blaine Public Library, skate park and parking lot currently stands. The proposed property, framed by a white rectangle, is about one acre.
Project ...
From page 1
parking, the project could potentially have commercial space for a childcare center.
“Nothing is firm or fixed or decided yet, but it’s the concepts that could be on the property,” Schissler said.
The project would be about one acre encompassing the Blaine library, skate park and the parking area in front of and behind the library. The city of Blaine is conducting a critical areas review to determine how much land needs to be set aside for a Cain Creek buffer on the northeast end of the property.
Councilmember Richard May suggested the city vacate the dead end on G Street, adjacent to the library, to potentially become a parking garage or an additional section of the building.
The current library, a 5,400-square-foot building converted from a public works garage in 1988, would need a new structure because of condition limitations. WCLS executive director Christine Perkins said during the meeting that this new project is almost exactly the same size as the Blaine library project designed in 2020, which would serve popula-
tion projections for the city and its urban growth area.
The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express would not impact the Blaine library project, Perkins added.
“I think this hearkens back to an earlier iteration where we were envisioning a small community library in Birch Bay and the regional library here in Blaine,” she said.
After the feasibility study is finished, its preliminary conceptual plan will need to be further developed. Project organizers will need to find additional funding for planning and engineering, and then conduct market research before obtaining a construction loan.
“It’s possible the answer may be ‘no,’” Schissler said. “A library is really important but is it worth finding enough money to replace it? Where’s that money going to come from and how much is it?”
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September 28 - October 4, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com 5 CITY OF BLAINE Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website. www.cityofblaine.com Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Monday, October 9 4:00pm – 2024 Budget: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Enterprise Funds, and BTAC 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Thursday, October 12 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Monday, October 23 5:30pm – Study Session: Town Hall Meeting 6:00pm – City Council Meeting: Public Hearings on the 2024 Budget and 2024 Property Tax. 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. Vendor Space Available Apply at blainechamber.com jarke t M BLAINE’S BY THE SEA G Street Plaza DOWNTOWN BLAINE Saturday 10 am-2 pm Featuring LOCAL VENDORS selling HANDCRAFTED MERCHANDISE OPEN SATURDAY! 4460 BAY RD. NE CORNER OF BAY & BLAINE/SR548 ROADS BIRCH BAY BIBLE Blaine School District 503 Board Invitation extends to: Fire District 21 Blaine-Birch Bay Parks Recreation District 2 candidates GOT QUESTIONS? Whatcom County Executive WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH, 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Races we are covering: CANDIDATE FORUM FOR BIRCH BAY & BLAINE Whatcom County Council District 5 Whatcom County Council At Large B Whatcom County Sheriff SUBMIT THEM: Scan QR Code to submit online director@birchbaychamber.com (360) 371-5004 4460 BAY RD. NE CORNER OF BAY & BLAINE/SR548 ROADS BIRCH BAY BIBLE Blaine School District 503 Board Invitation extends to: Fire District 21 Blaine-Birch Bay Parks Recreation District 2 candidates GOT QUESTIONS? Whatcom County Executive WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH, 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Races we are covering: CANDIDATE FORUM FOR BIRCH BAY & BLAINE Whatcom County Council District 5 Whatcom County Council At Large B Whatcom County Sheriff SUBMIT THEM: Scan QR Code to submit online director@birchbaychamber.com (360) 371-5004 Invitation extends to: Fire District 21 & Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 candidates BIRCH BAY BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sponsored by Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo Birch Bay Visitor Information Center Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center Please Support This Newspaper $29 (or whatever you can) Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 l 360/332-1777 Name: Email: Address: City: State: Zip: You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com Thank you for supporting local journalism. This week’s supporters: Peter and Jo Mans • Billie Burns
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Whatcom County Council funds Blaine school district behavioral health coach
B y N ola N B aker
In a unanimous decision during the September 26 Whatcom County Council meeting, the Blaine school district will receive $315,000 for a new behavioral health coach.
The funding will come from the county’s behavioral health sales tax, and provide three years of salary for a brand new position, which is intended to help support teachers with students struggling with behavioral and mental health inside the classroom. The position will hopefully, according to the work statement, increase teacher capacity and decrease the frequency of disruptive student behaviors.
Amid the announced layoffs of nearly 60 part and fulltime positions in the Blaine school district, superintendent Christopher Granger said that the new position would not exist without funding from the county behavioral health sales tax.
“This is a position we’re adding to support our teachers and stu-
Budget ...
From page 1 city’s gas tax revenues are down. While revenues are not keeping pace with expenditures, the city is not receiving the Covid-19 stimulus that kept the budget balanced during the pandemic.
The city has recommended cutting about 10 percent of its staff, or 6.5 of its 65 staffed fulltime positions, to balance the budget. The city also plans to cut travel, technology, supply and other expenses to decrease expenditures. Some vacant positions won’t be filled and other positions could potentially change departments, such as the planner 1 position moving to the Blaine Police Department as nuisance enforcement.
Along with cuts, Harmon said the city suggests council raise the property tax levy by 1 percent, water rates by 17.5 percent, stormwater rates by 5 percent and
dents that we would not have been able to fund locally,” Granger said. “We’re appreciative of the partnership we have with the county.”
The coach will work roughly a full-time position for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year, and through the 2025-26 school year before county funding runs out.
While funding will be cut after that, Granger hopes that the three years of a fulltime staff member will better prepare teachers to assist students with behavioral problems.
“Our teachers are working hard,” Granger said. “This is not a reflection of somebody not doing something well, it’s more like an additional support we can give to come work alongside a teacher.”
According to the Washington Department of Health’s (DOH) Healthy Youth Survey, a voluntary survey of 6th, 8th, and 10th graders around the state, the pandemic had an extremely negative effect on the mental health of teenagers across the state.
One of the key points of the 2021 study, according to the DOH, was that teens want easier access
wastewater rates by 1 percent.
The drafted 2024 budget would plan for the general fund having a surplus of $6,400, the street fund having a surplus of $14,000, the electric fund having a surplus of $35,000 and the water fund having a surplus of $750. The stormwater and public works administration funds would be balanced, while the wastewater fund, which has significant issues, would have a $423,000 deficit. The wastewater fund is having problems mostly because of increased salaries and wages, as well as higher bond and loan payments and sewer repairs, city finance director Daniel Heverling said.
Blaine Municipal Court administrator Raylene King asked council to consider not cutting a half-time position because it would reduce the court’s service level when the court already has the second highest workload for small cities. The cut could slow the court’s ability to meet filing
to mental and behavioral health care at home and in the classroom. Granger hopes that this new position will not only help students in the short term, but also prepare teachers in the long term to deal with the behavioral problems that they are seeing on a daily basis.
The $315,000 price tag for the new position comes just after the school district announced plans to cut 60 positions, but Granger said that funding for the specific behavioral health coach position is unique.
“Obviously, nobody wants to be in a reduction situation, those are people that we care about,” Granger said. “But we know that student behavior is one of the issues that we hear from teachers and parents and students. So when we have a unique funding opportunity that allows us to meet the needs that have been identified by our stakeholders, it feels like a great opportunity.”
Since approval by council, the school district has not named any candidates for the new position.
requirements, return calls from people needing help and respond to public records requests, among other concerns.
“If we go below two full-time employees, we will fail meeting our constitutional and legal requirements,” King told councilmembers. “Reducing the court to two full-time employees will put the city of Blaine in a worse financial position and one in which it cannot serve its citizens with the justice they deserve to be given by local government.”
Councilmember Kerena Higgins later raised concerns that the city could face legal liability and asked for more opportunity to discuss the court position.
The city could add a half-time employee back into the budget, but that would require making cuts in other areas, such as technology improvements that have long been needed, Harmon said.
“There are no good cuts left,” he said. “These departments have a fairly bare bones budget”
Power outage impacts Burger King area
A power outage impacted about 60 residents in Blaine on September 24, highlighting issues with the city’s aging infrastructure. An underground cable failed
B y G race M c c arthy in the right-of-way alley behind Burger King around 7:45 p.m. September 24, said Gary McSpadden, maintenance and operations manager at Blaine Public Works Department. The outage, which hit parts of Lincoln Park and State Route 543, lasted until 10:30 p.m. for most residents, although a few pockets of residents were without power until the next morning. In total, about 60 residents had their lights turned off.
The city of Blaine has had five large power outages since the start of 2023 including this outage, four of which have been since the start of July, McSpadden said. All of the power outages this summer
were from underground cables. “It’s aging infrastructure that we’re coming up with a plan to replace,” McSpadden said.
Public works is identifying old runs to replace and is trimming trees around powerlines. The city has scheduled installing a circuit next year that will create more reliability and switching capabilities in Semiahmoo, McSpadden said. The city is also planning on adding a new circuit that will improve reliability near Burger King.
The city has experienced other outages but they were from animals and brief as well as localized, McSpadden said.
6 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023 ATHLETES of the MONTH SPONSORED BY: Victor Gervol Senior • Football Victor is a two-way starter for our football team. He is a team captain and takes command of our offensive line when we possess the football. Victor was named the Offensive Lineman of the Week for all of Whatcom County. Neely Thomas Senior • Cheer While Coach Jancy was unable to be at practices or the game due to her son being in the hospital, the team could not have survived if it wasn’t for Neely. She stepped up and handled practice, mini cheer, and the game like a champ! She is a true leader! ALLEY AUTO INC We Install Quality NAPA Parts. 365 D Street • Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm • 360-325-0231 Must present coupon. Good thru October 2023 Change$1999 your Oil *when you buy your oil & filter at Blaine Tires • Blaine for just * NAPA Auto Parts and Accessories Your trusted source for automotive parts NAPAonline.com (select the Blaine Store) WE DELIVER TO: Blaine • Birch Bay • Custer • Point Roberts FREE LOCAL HOME DELIVERY 360-332-7018 • 365 D Street, Blaine • Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 3pm SHOP NOW www.napaonline.com Now Open Saturdays 9am-3pm SATURDAYS! Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law
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Borderite sports roundup: Football loses heartbreaker, cross-country prepares for first home meet
Football
One week after earning its first win of the season, and head coach Andy Olson’s first in his tenure for the Borderites, Blaine football lost a heartbreaker on the road against Cedar Park Christian, 9-7 on September 23.
The Borderites were shut out for the first three quarters of the game, with Cedar Park Christian’s only points coming from a first quarter touchdown and a safety after Blaine’s punter recovered his own blocked punt in the endzone.
But Blaine’s defense was able to hold Cedar Park to just those two scores for the entire game, keeping the Borderites within striking distance heading into the second half.
While outperforming Cedar Park in nearly every statistical category – Blaine racked up another impressive game on the ground with 138 rushing yards on 34 attempts – the Borderites couldn’t find that final game-winning drive.
During its first drive of the fourth quarter, junior quarterback Colin Davis dropped a 48yard bomb to senior wide receiver Hunter Vezzetti for Blaine’s lone scoring play. Trailing by just two points with minutes to play, it seemed that the Borderites had a real chance to win when junior cornerback Thomas Cox intercepted a pass on the very next play from scrimmage.
With a 27-yard field goal ready to be kicked through to give the Borderites a 10-9 lead, the ball was bobbled and turned over to Cedar Park. Blaine’s next possession resulted in a turnover on downs, and the Borderites lost 9-7 in gut-wrenching fashion.
The loss puts Blaine football at 1-3 before conference play begins this week. The Borderites will travel into the foothills to face Mount Baker (1-3), the runners-up in last year’s 1A State Championship game, at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 29.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Volleyball
In what appears to be a recurring theme so far this season, Blaine volleyball dropped another pair of straight-set losses over the past week. The Borderites faced Lynden Christian at home on September 21, then travelled to Nooksack Valley on September 25, only to drop both games 3 sets to none.
Despite a pair of standout performances from senior Teya Zaddack, who hit .458 with 13 kills, seven digs and two aces against Nooksack Valley, Blaine still couldn’t put together a cohesive team performance, as the Borderites’ conference record drops to 0-5 on the season.
Senior Bella Vezzetti distributed the ball well on Monday night, tallying 10 assists, but it simply wasn’t enough as Blaine dropped each set 25-18, 25-16 and 25-14 to a strong Nooksack Valley team.
Blaine will continue the season with a home game against Sedro-Woolley on September 28 at 7 p.m., followed by an away game against Bellingham on October 2 at 7 p.m.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Girls Soccer
The Borderites continued their season with a 2-0 loss to Squalicum on September 21, and a 0-0 tie against Meridian at home on September 26. Blaine now sits at a 1-2-2 overall record, with a 0-01 conference record.
It has taken quiet a bit of time for Blaine’s offense to get in rhythm this season as the Borderites have been outscored a total of 7-2 in its first five games.
Both of Blaine’s only goals this season have come from senior winger Lucy Dahl, who scored last week’s game winner against Lakewood. But it’s clearly been tough to get the rest of the offense involved in scoring. Both of Blaine’s goals this year have come from corner kicks, which head coach Gio Quesada-Ruiz said was an emphasis in the offseason. But the inability to create chances in the flow of play is looking like a major weakness for this year’s girls soccer team.
In a blustering, rainy game at Borderite Stadium on September 26, neither Blaine nor Meridian were able to generate many offensive chances, and reigning Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, junior goalkeeper Larissa Pluschakov was able to earn her second clean sheet of the season.
The Borderites now face the heart of its conference schedule, and will hope to put more points on the board when they go on the road Thursday, September 28 to face Lynden Christian at 4:30 p.m. On Monday, October 2, Blaine faces off at home against Nooksack Valley for another conference matchup at 7 p.m.
Cross-Country
The Blaine cross-country boys finished in 9th place as a team on Saturday, September 23 at the 16th annual King’s Cross Invitational in Shoreline, posting a team score of 243. Issaquah finished first in the JV Boys race with a team score of 16.
Junior Tucker Greene represented north Whatcom County well, posting a top-20 finishing time of 19:40.58, one of only 25 runners in his division to complete the 3-mile course in under 20 minutes, and the only Borderite to complete the course under that mark.
He was trailed by junior teammates Ian Tuski, who finished 67th with a time of 21:04.86, followed by Owen Woodworth (21:40.33), freshman Verdaan Aujla (22:48.58) and sophomore Rhys Milligan (26:32.09).
After travelling all around western Washington for its first four races of the season, the Blaine cross-country program will finally host a home meet on Wednesday, September 27 at Peace Arch State Park. The race will feature a clash between Blaine and its Northwest Conference foes Burlington-Edison and Ferndale.
Head coach Roberto Aguilera changed the 5,000 meter race venue from its original location at Pipeline Field to Peace Arch State Park. Aguilera described the new course as “fast and flat with two 10 meter hills, few turns, and one sharp uphill turn all on short grass.”
As the race takes place at a state park, there is a $10 day use fee to park a vehicle in the designated parking lot, but spectators can use a Discover Pass if they have one.
September 28 - October 4, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com 7 758 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine 360-332-4045 www.pasodelnorte.net Combination Meals Buy One, Get Second 1/2 PRICE! with purchase of 2 drinks! DINE IN OR TAKE OUT. Of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 10/12/2023 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER! HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS & ALL DAY SUNDAYS DINE IN TAKE OUT & DELIVERY thru Viking Food Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838 Broker Semiahmoo, Blaine & Birch Bay is my home. CALL ME FOR A FREE on your home. Market Analysis Whole Pilates of Birch Bay Authentic Classical Pilates Private training in studio or online Contact colleen@wholepilates.com Consistency is the Key to Change! Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-671-6060 • SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com Call us today to learn more about our offers! 360-671-6060
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.
Hi,
spOrts
B y N ola N B aker
s Blaine junior midfielder Juliana Zuzarte makes an incisive pass during Blaine’s 1-0 win against Lakewood on September 18.
Photo by Nolan Baker
Free parking is available at a few empty gas stations and parking lots near the park, Aguilera said.
Boys will run at 4:15 p.m. and girls will run at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27.
First Responders First Responders A SALUTE TO OUR
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue
Fire Commissioners
Bruce Ansell, John Crawford, Scott Fisher, Kimberly McMurray, Matthew Rigberg
Lieutenants
Scott Brown, Tony Esser, Troy Freeman, Jeff Hofstad, John Hollstein, Danny Jensen, Kris Jorgensen, D.J. Riehl
Captains Station 63 (Birch Bay)
Firefighters
Cody Bowen, Liz Bronder, Tanner Brotherton, Tyler Budwey, Kaleb Bruch, Gary DeJager, Jason Donnelly, John Geleynse, Alex Georgulas, Phillip Jackson, Keagan Kingslien, Mike Lyshol, Aaron Logerstedt, Steve Latham, Evan Maack, Brandon May, Patty McDermott, Seth Meredith, Tony Placzek, Alden Roberts, Wayne Sanders, Kat Stewart, Collin Thomas, Tye Thompson, Hayley Urling-Ehinger, Delanie Warne, Dylan Witzel
Administration Staff
Jennie Sand, Benita Williams, Kelly Freeman
Mechanic Ryan Mack
Lieutenants Station 61 (Odell)
Volunteers
Shawn Atwood, Brian Botta Pillo, Stephen Bowerman, Jeff Bowles, Laura Brewer-Yarnall, Brian Carlson, Tommy Erickson, Kim Gates, George Hargenrader, Aaron Jonasson, Robert King, Casey Martin, Brandon Millsap, Mel Mulligan, Lane Renskers, Sabrina Renskers, Dale Rutgers, Melissa Van Cleve, Scott Wood
8 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023
s Fire Chief, Jason Vander Veen
s Division Chief of Operations/Training, Jon Ahrenholz
s Division Chief of Support Services, Shaun Ward
s Deputy Fire Marshal, Joel Nielsen –Station 61 (Odell)
s Mike Nelson – B shift
s Chris Hollander – A shift
s Rob Mulrooney – C shift
s Burr McPhail – B shift
s Mike Schmidt – C shift
Thank You First Responders! Dr. Gagan Sandhu, DDS Dr. Mandy Alamwala, DMD 432 H Street, Blaine • 332-8737 • borderviewdental.com We appreciate your service! 360.332.9420 www.tctransport.com 360.332.5656 www.tctradingcompany.com Our deepest thanks for your service! Thank You. We are 100% behind you! You. We are 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 360-332-4045 • pasodelnorte.net 360-332-3121 8115 Birch Bay Square Street #121 360-922-3500 www.saharapizza.com BIRCH BAY Thank you! First Responders get 25% Off Every Day! Thank you First Responders! 2677 Bell Rd. • 360-332-5335 • pacificbuilding.com We salute the true heroes of our community! www.ams-print.com 288 Martin Street • Downtown Blaine 360-788-4228 Thank you for your service! We love our heroes! Community, Connection, Counseling
s Adam Smith – D shift
September 28 - October 4, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com 9
Police Department
Blaine
s Chief of Police, Donnell (Tank) Tanksley
WHO PROTECT & SERVE our local community! Responders Responders
s Lt. Michael Munden
s Officer Keith Olson s Officer Brandon Wasilchen
s Officer Benjamin Diacogniannis
s Amy Ebenal, Records Supervisor
s Tami Bhachu, Police Specialist
Brought to you by The Northern Light and these community-minded sponsors
s Officer Bryan Beaulieu
s Sgt. Brent Greene
s Sgt. Skylar Deffinbaugh
s Sgt. Tim Richardson
s Officer Katelyn Lyons s Officer Jordan Maphumulo
s Officer Jeremiah Leland
January 2024 Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office s Whatcom
Undersheriff,
FIRST RESPONDERS Vwich Agency 341 H Street, Blaine 360-332-4444 Ghandi Vwich, Agent Thank You Responders! Thank you for all you do! From all of us at www.blaineseniorcenter.org 763 G Street • Blaine, WA 98230 • 360-332-8040 We Honor You! God Bless 1733 H Street #825 8115 Birch Bay Square #209 PROUD SUPPORTER of First Responders! 1733 H Street #200 • Blaine 360-392-8922 • westsidepizza.com
s Whatcom County Sheriff, Bill Elfo s Birch Bay Neighborhood Deputy, Joel Douglas Starting
County
Doug Chadwick
Home Garden
Semiahmoo Resort dishes up tasty cod fritters
The culinary team at Semiahmoo Resort loves simple cod fritters as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Made with wild-caught black cod, also known as sablefish, these Pacific Northwest-inspired cornbread cod fritters come together quickly and easily in your home kitchen. This recipe incorporates fresh ingredients like bell peppers, cilantro, and jalapeños for an elevated spin on a classic dish.
Semiahmoo Resort uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, including jalapenos from Spotted Owl Farm located on Sweet Road in Blaine. These delicious cornbread-based fritters are available on Semiahmoo’s new to-go menu.
• ¼ lb. jalapenos, stems removed
• ¼ lb. green onion - rough chop
• ½ red bell pepper - medium, rough chop
• ½ orange bell pepper - medium - rough chop
• ½ yellow bell pepper - medium
- rough chop
• 1 C. cilantro, with stems
• 2.5 lb. black cod or sablefish -
large dice, 1/2” - 1’ pieces
• ¼ C. Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 ¼ lb. Krusteaz cornbread mix
• 1 C. buttermilk
Put diced black cod/sablefish and Montreal seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
Combine peppers, onion and cilantro in a food processor, pulse until evenly minced. Add to the black cod/sablefish and Montreal seasoning, mix together by hand.
Add dry cornbread mix to a stand mixer. Add buttermilk on low speed until a thick batter is formed (it may not need the full cup). Add fish mixture at a low speed until fully incorporated.
Using a small scoop (approximately 1 oz), scoop batter into a fryer and fry until golden brown (3 min).
Remove fritters from the fryer and finish cooking in the oven at 350 degrees for 6-7 min.
Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedge.
Enjoy!
Semiahmoo Resort offers dining options at Packers Kitchen + Bar, Great Blue Heron Grill and Seaview Café.
Fencing and plantings add more privacy on your property
An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind. Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.
Fencing or planting?
Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.
But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide
even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing. The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose. Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native
trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations. Planting
Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.
• Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation® notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.
• Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy.
The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at matu-
rity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.
• Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.
Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.
10 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023 • Hardwood • Prefinished • LVP/Laminate Installation & Refinishing 360-224-6466 Over 20 years experience Licensed • Bonded • Insured CASCAFL912J8 Visit our showroom! For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at www.hunterdouglas.com/tax-credit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette® Honeycomb Shades. © 2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. • Contribute to a more sustainable environment by lowering your energy use SAVE up to $1,200 with a New Federal Tax Credit on Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Shades * Contact Us to Learn More 410 W Bakerview Rd. Ste 101 • Bellingham (360) 738-8175 • LorrainesWindowCoverings.com For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at www.hunterdouglas.com/tax-credit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette® Honeycomb Shades. © 2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. SAVE up to $1,200 with a New Federal Tax Credit on Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Shades * For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at www.hunterdouglas.com/tax-credit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your • Help reduce your monthly utility costs with Hunter Douglas shades specifically designed to provide year-round insulation • Contribute to a more sustainable environment by lowering your energy use SAVE up to $1,200 with a New Federal Tax Credit on Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Shades * Contact Us to Learn More A monthly special section in The Northern Light &
File photo
s The Semiahmoo Resort culinary team’s crowd-pleasing cornbread cod fritters.
Photo courtesy Semiahmoo Resort
ty workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.
QUIET TITLE SUMMONS NO. CV-2023-
SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to appear and defend in the above‑entitled action in the above‑entitled court, within THIRTY DAYS, exclusive of the day of service, if served without the State of Arizona, and you are hereby notified that in case you fail so to do, Judgment by Default WILL BE rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Complaint is to foreclose a lien and to Quiet Title to real property in Mohave County, Arizona. If you do not want a judgment or order taken against you without your input, you must file an “An swer” or a “Response” in writing with the Court, and pay the filing fee. If you do not file an “Answer” or “Response” the other party may be given the relief requested in his or her Petition or Complaint. To file your “Answer” or Response” take, or send, the “Answer” or “Response” to the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, 415 East Spring Street, Kingman, AZ 86401 (P.O. Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402 7000 Mail a copy of your “Answer” or “Response” to the other party at the address listed on the top of this Summons. Kim McMilon, Plain tiff 3663 E Devlin Ave, Kingman AZ 86401, Phone (928) 897 2117 GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, in and for the County of MOHAVE, this 25th day of August, 2023. CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT By: Christina Spurlock, Clerk
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: WENDY SUE HARRIS, Deceased. No. 234-00866-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.
Judge Evan Jones.
The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:
September 11, 2023 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: September 21, 2023
Name of Administrator: MICHAEL HARRIS
Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED: September 11, 2023
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator
MICHAEL HARRIS
Superior Court of the State of Washington For King County. Estate of Charles C. Lovell, Jr., Deceased. No. 23-4-06438-8 SEA. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.020, .030. Lance Lovell has been appointed as personal representative (“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 attorney of the personal representative 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) 30 days after the attorney 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 RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: September 28, 2023.
Personal Representative:
Lance Lovell Attorneys for Personal Representative:
Anthony J. McCormick, WSBA #44150 Perkins Coie LLP 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 359-8000
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MAGDALENE PIANTES, Deceased. No. 23-4-00867-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:
September 11, 2023 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication:
September 21, 2023
Name of Personal Representative:
JOYCE PIANTES
Attorney for Personal Representatives:
Steven D. Avery WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service:
Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED: September 11, 2023.
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.
STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative
JOYCE PIANTES
TOMMY P. RYSER, Deceased. No. 23-
4-00699-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS.
Judge David Freeman.
The Person 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 of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: September 27, 2023, with the Clerk of Court
Date of First Publication: September 28, 2023
Name of Personal Representative: Allison Lea Ryser
Attorney for Personal Representative:
Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393
E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com
DATED: September 27, 2023
True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Attorney for Personal Representative: Allison Lea Ryser
September 28 - October 4, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com 11 Place your ad in call 360-332-1777 CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE Place your ad in call 360-332-1777 CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE! CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE 360-332-1777 sales@thenorthernlight.com NEXT ISSUE: Oct. 5 AD DEADLINE: Oct. 2 Delivered to every home in the 98230 zip code. Plus Newstands in: Bellingham • Ferndale Custer • Birch Bay Semiahmoo • Blaine WE ACCEPT: u ] $20 for 15 words 25¢ for each additional word PLUS, your ad appears ONLINE FOR FREE at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds NEW CARS AUTO GLASS 8139 Guide Meridian • Lynden, WA 360-354-2129 HintonMotors.com Celebrating 71 years of business with a tradition of trust since 1947. Your only locally owned and operated GM Dealer in Whatcom County with a non-commissioned sales staff. HINTON CHEVEROLET • BUICK BELLINGHAM 1512 N State St. • 360-734-3840 LYNDEN 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 LouisAutoGlass.com Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quali-
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM
the Estate
COUNTY In re
of:
01166 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MOHAVE Kim McMilon, Plaintiff - vs. – Monnie Oleta Watkins and Mohave County Treasurer; et. al., the unknown heirs of all the above named defendants if any of them be deceased; and all other persons claiming any right, title, estate, lien or interest in the real property described in the Complaint adverse to Plaintiff; title thereto Defendants To The Above Named Defen dants
ARE HEREBY
and each of them. YOU
50943 Legal MORE Smiles Learning Center OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30pm Call today! 360-332-7135 NOW ENROLLING Infants & Toddlers F/T & P/T Enrolling for: Full Day Preschool Before & After School Care Limited Space Open M-F 6:30am-6pm Semiahmoo Kids Kamp 4560 Legion Drive, Blaine 360-371-7285 semiahmookidskamp@gmail.com Child Care Lic# BENPLPI783KU Plumbing ELITE LANDSCAPE & MINI-EXCAVATION LLC Fall Cleanup • Lawn Care Tree/Bush Trimming Tree Removal • Excavation Landscape Installation 360-296-4824 EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB • Landscaping • Property & Gutter Cleaning • Junk Removal • Mini Excavations 360-220-3634 FREE ESTIMATES Landscaping Clean Air Comfort Systems $400-$1350 in combined rebates when you get a CNG approved furnace, boiler or Tankless Water Heater. CALL NOW 24/7 360-398-9400 CleanAirComfortSystems.com Lic.#CLEANAC851MG Heating/Air All Services NW HANDYMAN SERVICES Roofs & Gutter Cleaning • Decks Lawn Services • Junk Removal Moving Services • Asphalt Sealing 360-999-6868 Handyman Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC Mark St. Germaine Quality construction since 1987 Licensed & bonded 360-746-4902 icnwllc@comcast.net 3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small Free Estimates New Construction • Remodeling • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting C W N Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD COMPLETE REMODELS Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions (360) 305-2592 completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net COMPLR*006PP Since 1973 RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL TWO BROTHERS MASONRY BRICK - BLOCK - STONE BARRY L. WIENS Licensed & Bonded phone: (360) 332-6300 www.twobrothersmasonry.com ERICK WIENS MATT WIENS TWO BROTHERS MASONRY RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL Brick • Block • Stone BARRY L. WIENS Licensed & Bonded (360) 332 - 6300 Lic #2BROTB1945DA Construction Computer Repairs & Upgrades NWcascades.com Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo 360-371-7277 • PCs • Windows • Wireless Setup • Home & Office Networking • New Computer Set-up • Spyware, Malware & Virus Removal We come to you! Computer Residential, business, new construction & move-outs. Very Affordable. Call Lisa for a free estimate. 360-318-3345 360-371-0172 Ask about our Specials! WE CLEAN IT ALL! A+ Cleaning Service Licensed • Bonded • Insured Clean Clean Clean LLC Licensed & Insured Residential Cleaning Call/Text Erika for an estimate (360)820-6556 A Clean Home is a Happy Home! Cleaning PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982. Business Services Your EVERYTHING Store! Dollar Plus $ Mike’s Birch Bay Square-Unit 116 • I-5, Exit 270 360-656-5201 RESPECT YOUR VETERANS SEE WHAT’S NEW! Electronics & Accessories • Bluetooth ear pods & speakers • Chargers - wall & car, incl type C • Cords - short & long Announcements ABC LANDSCAPING & More! Clean ups, berry removal, shrub/hedge trimming, beauty bark, gravel, pavers, retaining walls, power washing, gutter cleaning, hauling. 360-8200446. Licensed & Insured. ABCLALM790DJ www. abclandscapingandmore.com. CLEANING/CAREGIVING Lucy’s Caregiving & Cleaning. Your loved will be comforted for in their home. 360-809-5047. Licensed. FOLLOW US ON We get the word out! facebook.com/thenorthernlight Want to find a new home? You’ve come to the right place!
12 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023 Real Estate NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine LEASE SPACES FOR: • Commercial • Warehousing • Distribution • Manufacturing 2nd Floor Office Space Available 1 or 2 Rooms - Air Conditioned “Near Truck Route & Mall” Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com Rentals - Commercial John Vande Hoef / Realtor RE/MAX Whatcom County Cell: 360-815-3443 john@jvhrealestate.com www.jvhrealestate.com 1130 Leighton St, Blaine • $324,900 Beautiful Drayton Harbor view lot. New development, water, sewer, internet, NG. City of Blaine approved ready to build custom JWR house plans. 2242 sq.ft., primary suite on main. 2nd level: 2 BDRMs, office or 4th BDRM, bonus rm & deck w/ view. WaterViewLot www.CallHugh.com Email hugh@callhugh.com Text ugh 360-739-5234 Thinking about selling or buying property? Call Hugh! 360-371-5800 HUGH BRAWFORD Managing Broker Let’s talk about this interesting market & what your home is worth! 360.815.6638 briansouthwick@gmail.com 1188 sq. ft. / 3 bedrooms, two full baths. With this home you get a remodeled home (march last year) with quality finishes including new paint, laminate flooring, quartz countertops, plumbing to bathrooms and kitchen, soft close cabinets, stainless appliances, new washer and dryer, vanities, toilets, interior doors, light fixtures, all new outlets and switches,+ new hot tub. This site offers more than a home, it offers great parking including RV Parking with sewer discharge, fully fenced yard, generous in the front and backyard, patio, outbuilding, apple and cherry trees as well as garden area. Title has been eliminated, on a slab and has tie downs. See it soon. Birch Bay Home in Quiet Location 4957 Highland Dr., Blaine 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,188 Sq Ft. • $399,500 Custom Pull-Out Shelves for your existing cabinets and pantry. Call for Your FREE Design Consultation: (833) 820-1569 *Limit one o er per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Pull-Out Shelves. EXP 8/31/23. Independently owned and operated franchise. ©2023 ShelfGenie SPV LLC. All rights Reserved. Easy access, less stress, everything within reach. 50% OFF INSTALL! 12 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS *On Approved Credit* MONTH C ONN E C T S ACP program details can be found at www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-consumer-faq FREE INTERNET Qualify today for the Government Free Internet Program YOU QUALIFY for Free Internet if you receive WIC, SNAP, Medicaid Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline and Tribal. CALL TODAY (866) 955-0398 Bonus offer: 4G Android Tablet with one time co-pay of $20 REQUEST A FREE QUOTE CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions $0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS (360) 685-8291 7-year Extended Warranty* – A $735 Value! FREE Whether you are home or away, protect what matters most from unexpected power outages with a Generac Home Standby Generator. 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 1-800877-0246. 81% of readers frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo Statistics audited by the for REAL news READ LOCAL FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Abandoned Blaine home engulfs in flames
B y G race M c c arthy
Firefighters extinguished an abandoned home in central Blaine during the early morning of September 21.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) and Whatcom County District 7, in Ferndale, responded to the home engulfed in flames at the corner of Peace Portal Drive and Fourth Street at 2:53 a.m., NWFR division chief Shaun Ward said. The two-story building was unoccupied and no one was injured, according to NWFR.
Firefighters determined it would be safer to let the building burn and Blaine Public Works Department provided a backhoe to push collapsed materials into a pile.
Most fire units cleared the scene around 5 a.m., except for one that stayed until 12:40 p.m. to monitor hot spots, Ward said.
Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire.
Road Rules: A suspended license on private property
B y D ou G D ahl
Question: Is it legal to drive on private property if I have a suspended license?
Answer: A few weeks ago, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch got his license suspended in his home state of North Carolina after driving 128 mph in a 45-mph zone. Pause for a moment and re-read that. Yes, that’s almost triple the posted speed limit. Normally speeding won’t get you a license suspension, but those kinds of speeds move things into reckless driving territory, and that’s what got him a suspension.
That 45-day license suspension didn’t stop Kyle from driving (and placing 7th) in a NASCAR race in Florida three days later. In both North Carolina and Florida, the suspended driving laws prohibit a person from driving on state highways. So far, there are no NASCAR tracks that double as public highways, although some states (I’m looking at you, Texas) are pushing their top speed limits into racing territory.
In contrast, Washington’s law states, “It is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle in this state while that person is in a suspended or revoked status.” Did you catch the difference? It’s subtle, so I’ll point it out. The North Carolina and Florida laws prohibit driving on state highways, while Washington prohibits driving in the state. That in-
Roy Cecil Delong
October 18, 1947 – September 6, 2023
Roy Cecil Delong, age 75, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in Lynden. He was born in Vancouver, B.C., on October 18, 1947, to Roy Daniel and Christina “Dot” (McAllister) Butts. He grew up in Sandspit, in the Queen Charlotte Islands, but relocated to Richmond, B.C., when he was 12 years old. Roy attended Steveston High School and upon graduation moved to London where he worked and lived with flat mates for a year. He enjoyed traveling and spent time backpacking, hitchhiking, taking ferries and trains around Europe where he would stay in youth hostels and make friends.
Upon hearing his only sibling, his sister Brenda, was getting married, he booked a one-way ticket and moved back to Vancouver. Roy then got a job working at the B.C. Ferries, where he spent the next 35 years working his way up to the dock and trades supervisor position – enabling him to travel around the Queen Charlotte Islands again. Roy talked constantly about his friends at work (thanks Mark, Doug, and everyone else for loving Roy so much, he loved you all back).
Roy married Carol Linda Crabtree on August 17, 1974. Their first kid, Danny, was born June 18, 1975. Five years later their daughter, Lindsay, was born on June 28, 1980. Roy loved a few things deeply, the main one was his family and grandchildren (the others were sports, his friends and traveling to Hawaii).
cludes private property.
I’m not suggesting that if Kyle Busch participated in a race in Washington you’d see a patrol car jump on the track to try to pull him over, although that would be quite entertaining to witness. Generally speaking though, Washington’s suspended driving laws apply to both public roads and private property.
That’s different from most of Washington’s traffic laws, which only apply on public roads. But the law identifies some violations that it deems serious enough to prohibit statewide, including on private property. Along with driving on a suspended or revoked license, the list covers vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, impaired driving, physical control of
a vehicle while impaired, reckless driving, and negligent driving.
You’re probably no Kyle Busch, but if you happen to have your own 100 acres with a private course, I doubt that law enforcement would have any concerns about you driving around on your own land with a suspended driver license.
The reason those traffic laws I mentioned apply throughout the state is because we have a lot of shared private space where we drive. Most parking lots are private property, and some roads in neighborhoods are privately owned. The ring road around your local shopping mall is likely a private road open to the public.
(See Road Rules, page 15)
What a lot of people don’t know is that Roy played hockey, for the Blaine Smugglers. Roy loved sports and enjoyed watching his son play football, soccer, and track. Roy also enjoyed watching his son grow into a truly great artist and his daughter attain her second-degree black belt in karate. Roy also was a great listener and played a huge role in contributing to his daughter’s counseling career, where she listens to people the way Roy taught her.
Roy is survived by his wife Carol; his son Danny; his daughter and son-in-law Lindsay and Tom; his grandchildren Sophia (Danny’s daughter) and Adeline and Alexander (Lindsay and Tom’s kids); as well as his sister Brenda and all the extended family, nieces, and nephews.
Roy would want everyone to know, it’s going to be ok, he loves you all and he’ll see you again.
Thank you for the prayers, cards, visits, and flowers. Thank you to the Lynden Christian Health Care Center for their excellent care.
Services will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 30. In lieu of flowers you can make donations to the Grace Lutheran Church or your favorite charity.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at, www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
September 28 - October 4, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com 13 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Celebrating 90 years! Auto & Residential Glass To Our Canadian Friends Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices www.louisautoglass.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1929! 1512 N. State St. Bellingham (360) 734-3840 407 19th St. Lynden (360) 354-3232 1721 E. College Way Mt. Vernon (360) 424-9759 Windshield Replacement Rock Chip Repairs Free Pick up & Delivery Free Loaner Cars 2011 Large Business of the Year Spring Special! Must present ad for special. Not valid with any other offers. Expires June 30, 2014. Dinner on Us and a Can of Glass Cleaner with every windshield purchased and installed Louis Auto Glass The Only Validated Auto Glass Company in Whatcom & Skagit Counties. We Guarantee Your Safety BELLINGHAM 1512 N. State St. • 360-734-3840 Louis’ LYNDEN 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 www.LouisAutoGlass.com ouis’ Dean Prather - Attorney at Law Solo Practice – Low Overhead – Low Rates Ph: (360) 643-0499 – Email: dean@deanpratheresquire.com 1300 W. Holly Street, Suite 203, Bellingham WA 98225 MARINE CORPS VETERAN OWNED Estate Planning Wills, Probate, and Transfer on Death Deeds Real Estate Contracts, Deeds, and Easements dean@deanpratheresquire.com Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com
OBITUARIES
s An abandoned home at the corner of Peace Portal Drive and Fourth Street in Blaine caught on fire September 21. Photo courtesy NWFR
sheriff’s repOrts
September 19, 3:08 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Harborview Road.
September 19, 4:20 p.m.: Death investigation on Alderson Road.
September 19, 10:33 p.m.: Burglary on Holeman Avenue.
September 20, 10:59 a.m.: Domestic – verbal on Birch Bay Square Street.
September 20, 11:11 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Nakat Way.
September 20, 6:23 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay and Cottonwood drives.
September 20, 6:26 p.m.: Aggravated assault on Birch Bay Drive.
September 21, 6:18 a.m.: Runaway cold call on Treevue Road.
September 21, 11:22 a.m.: Child abuse cold call on Custer School Road.
September 21, 11:36 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Sea Breeze Court.
September 22, 9:16 a.m.: Suspicious person on Custer School Road.
September 22, 1:08 p.m.: Theft cold call on Salish Lane.
September 23, 12:59 a.m.: Party on Birch Bay Drive.
September 23, 2:51 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Alderson Road
September 23, 7:44 p.m.: Simple assault cold call on Sunset Drive.
September 23, 9:58 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Helweg Road.
September 24, 11:52 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Stein Road.
September 24, 5:03 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Harborview Road.
September 24, 6:06 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Kickerville Road
September 24, 10:09 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
September 25, 11:59 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Custer School Road.
September 25, 1:40 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Valley View Road.
September 25, 5:51 p.m.: Juvenile problem cold call on Rock Crab Drive.
September 25, 8:59 p.m.: Domestic – verbal on California Trail.
pOLiCe repOrts
September 16, 7:21 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Marine Drive.
September 16, 12:54 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Martin Street.
September 16, 11:51 p.m.: Simple assault on Peace Portal Drive.
September 17, 10:42 a.m.: Suspicious person on Mitchell Avenue.
September 17, 2:32 a.m.: Shots on F Street.
September 17, 5:01 p.m.: Animal problem on Alder Street.
September 18, 1:09 a.m.: Suspicious person on 3rd Street.
September 18, 8:57 a.m.: Simple assault on H Street.
CrOssWOrd
41. Peyton’s little brother
42. Soviet Socialist Republic 44. Progressive country musician 45. Witness 48. Brews 50. Yellowish-brown 52. Arctic explorers (abbr.)
53. Mexican agave 55. Type of “cast” 56. Popular breakfast food 57. Atomic #52
6. Angry 7. Spanish stew: __ podrida
8. Fastened with a pin
9. On your way: __ route
10. Soviet labor camp system
11. Enmities
13. B complex vitamin
15. Go quickly
17. Toast
18. A team’s best pitcher
21. Philly culinary specialty
23. Small child
24. Unhappy
27. Trims away
29. Full of tears
32. Touch softly
September 18, 2:41 p.m.: Suspicious person on 4th Street.
September 18, 3:33 p.m.: Subject with weapon on Marine Drive.
September 19, 12:46 p.m.: Vandalism on 2nd Street.
September 19, 4:09 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Garfield Avenue.
September 19, 6:07 p.m.: Hit and run on H Street.
September 20, 8:42 a.m.: Trespass on H Street.
September 20, 6:20 p.m.: Domestic – verbal on E Street.
Report by Blaine Police Department
46. Sports broadcaster Ian
47. Electroencephalograph
49. Phenyl salicylate
51. Web of Things
54. Ship goods as cargo
59. The bill in a restaurant
60. Young female
61. OJ trial judge
62. One’s grandmother
64. West Siberian river
CAP Winter Coat Drive: Through September 30. Good quality used or new winter coats, hats, gloves, socks, and scarves accepted at Blaine Library, Blaine Senior Center, Cost Cutter, The Market, Windermere - Birch Bay Square, The Bridge Community Hope Center, Birch Bay Village Rec Center, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, Semiahmoo Marina Cafe and Pacific Building Center. Used items should be freshly laundered. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. blainecap.org.
Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Thursdays, October 12–November 9, 7–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street. Improve your financial management skills for a more secure financial future. Free. For more info or to register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.
Your Vote, Your Choice Advance Care Planning: Friday, September 29, 3–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This step-by-step workshop will walk participants through creating their own enhanced durable power of attorney for healthcare. Info: wcls.org.
Free Tire Recycling Event: Sunday, October 1, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Cedarville Transfer Station, 3463 Cedarville Road, Bellingham. Free to Whatcom County residents. Accepting up to 20 tires from passenger and light truck tires (not tractor or large truck tires), tires from residential homes (no businesses) and rims. Info: whatcomcounty.us/4258/WCHCSTire-Recycling-Event.
Cruising’ for the Cause Car Show: Sunday, October 1, 10 a.m., Les Schwab Tire Center, 1731 La Bounty Drive, Ferndale. Live music and food. All proceeds support Dementia Support Northwest.
Whatcom County Council Election Forum: Tuesday, October 3, 7–8:30 p.m., Whatcom County Council chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham. Candidates Jackie Dexter and Ben Elenbaas from district 5 and Hannah Ordos and Jon Scanlon from at-large position B. Presented by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Info: lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org.
Jail Proposition and Sheriff Election Forum: Wednesday, October 3, 6 p.m., Whatcom County Council chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham. Featuring Whatcom County Sheriff candidates Doug Chadwick and Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. Presented by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Info: lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org.
Blaine Harbor Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 7, noon–6 p.m., downtown Blaine. A day of fun, food , family and friends with over 40 craft vendors, food vendors, live music, all-ages beer garden. Info: blainechamber.com.
Fall Festival: Saturday, October 7, starting at 4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street. Kids crafts, bounce house (weather permitting), games at 4 p.m., community chili cook off at 5 p.m., community pie baking contest at 6 p.m. (chili and pie entries du at 3L30 p.m.) and line dancing at 7 p.m. Info: 360/332-6589.
Disaster Preparedness Presentation: Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Salishan Neighborhood Association, in coordination with CERT (FEMA’s Community emergency response team program) to discuss the potential disasters, what is likely to happen following a disaster, and how to be prepared to increase odds of survival. Additionally, CERT trainers will discuss the importance of CERT in responding to disasters and how to become CERT trained.
Birch Bay Candidates Forum: Wednesday, October 11, 7–9 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Candidates for Whatcom County executive, sheriff, county council district 5 and at-large B, Blaine School District 503 board, Northwest Fire and Rescue Service District 21 and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Questions may be submitted in advance at director@birchbaychamber.com by October 4. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and The Northern Light. Info: birchbaychamber.com.
Blaine City Council and Blaine School District Board Election Forum: Thursday, October 12, 6p.m., on Zoom. Featuring candidates for Blaine school district board position 1 Kimberly Akre and Erika Creydt; position 2 Dean Berkeley and Ben Lazarus; position 3 Cliff Freeman and Jeffrey Carrington; position 4 Derrick Bovencamp and Ryan Ford. Then Blaine City Council Ward 2 position 3 Sonia Hurt and Steven Tojek. Presented by The League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Info and Zoom link: lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org.
Ongoing
1. Licensed for Wall Street
2. Partner to flow
3. A very large body of water
4. Accumulate on the surface of
5. Central cores of stems
34. Former OSS 35. A person’s chest 36. Came from behind 39. Fall back
40. Nellie __, journalist
43. A part of a river where the current is very fast
Weather
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 p.m. - 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.
Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.
Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.
Moving Together: Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. A weekly walking group geared for all ages and levels of fitness. Info: wcls.org.
14 The Northern Light • September 28 - October 4, 2023 Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist. Precipitation: During the period of September 18-September 24, 0.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation is 12.98 inches.
High for the past week was 76.6°F on September 22 with a low of 46.1°F on September 27. Average high was 70.4°F and average low was 48.8°F. tides
28-October 4 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Th 28 4:35 am 12.5 11:06 am 4.1 5:50 pm 14.0 11:55 pm 6.8 Fr 29 5:41 am 12.9 11:52 am 5.0 6:16 pm 14.1 Sa 30 12:35 am 5.5 6:43 am 13.3 12:38 pm 6.3 6:44 pm 14.0 Su 1 1:15 am 4.4 7:45 am 13.5 1:24 pm 7.6 7:12 pm 13.8 Mo 2 1:57 am 3.6 8:47 am 13.7 2:14 pm 9.0 7:38 pm 13.4 Tu 3 2:39 am 3.3 9:53 am 13.7 3:10 pm 10.1 8:06 pm 12.9 We 4 3:23 am 3.4 11:03 am 13.6 4:20 pm 10.9 8:34 pm 12.3
Temperature:
September
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
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22. Auburn great Newton 23. Some are for Christmas 25. Dried, split pulses 26. Self 27. Where to get your mail 28. High schoolers’ test 30. Flightless bird 31. Expectorated 33. Practice of misrepresenting the truth 35. Type of patch 37. French river 38. Told on 40. Hillside
58. Position north or south of the equator 63. Gadget 65. Another recording 66. Irregular bulges in cell membranes 67. Dark brown DOWN
44. Weather Coming up
New empathy learning program sets roots in Blaine
B y M a D isu N t o B isch
A new program coming to Blaine Primary School in October focuses on fostering empathy in some of the community’s youngest members.
Roots of Empathy started 27 years ago in Toronto, and was designed to bring emotional awareness into classrooms to build a future of peaceful and civil societies, according to its website.
Unlike most classroom lessons, the leader of the young learners does not fit the typical vision of an educator, rather, the “tiny teacher” is a baby.
“Everybody’s first question is definitely ‘Where do you get the babies?’” said Sara Airoldi, the Whatcom County program manager for Roots of Empathy.
The babies, who are accompanied by at least one guardian at all times, are community volunteers and a vital piece of the program.
After a family volunteers at the beginning of the school year and establishes physical boundaries for students to follow with their baby, they visit the same classroom once a month from October through June.
The first visit includes a welcome song and time for observing the baby’s actions, noises and facial expressions. The students then try to understand what those reactions could mean for the baby’s emotional state. Airoldi said the experience allows students to become aware of how others feel whether that is in the classroom, at home or on the playground.
In between family visits, students receive pre- and post-visit lessons from a volunteer instructor who works with Airoldi throughout the school year to craft a weekly lesson plan. The lessons aim to help students hone in on what they learned from spending time with the baby and how they can use those emotional skills in other areas of life.
The lessons follow general themes that align with the baby’s development to create a learning opportunity for everyone involved.
“An early lesson might be about crying, something in the middle when the baby is close to crawling might be around safety, and one at the end of the year might be about likes and dislikes because the baby is starting to eat
Road Rules ...
From page 13
You’re not likely to see much proactive traffic enforcement on private property, but when there is a collision, the investigating officer would certainly be interested in your driving status.
Also, other than the example of your own private track, if you’re driving suspended on private property, you most likely drove on a public road to get there. This isn’t like playground tag where base is the swing set and you’re safe if you make it there before the officer spots you.
You might wonder what the big deal is about driving sus-
solid food,” Airoldi said.
The program first appeared in Whatcom County last year after Airoldi started the local branch in Bellingham schools.
The feedback she receives from students, families and teachers is one of Airoldi’s favorite parts of Roots of Empathy.
She’s inspired by the large following the program has in Canada, where she said families will ask when the best time for a baby to be born is so they can become tiny teachers. After a multi-decade track record, some tiny teachers have grown up to see their own children enter the program.
Airoldi said she hopes to see support for Roots of Empathy in Whatcom County grow to a similar level of community engagement and excitement.
Blaine Primary School principal Michelle McKeown came across Roots of Empathy years ago as a teacher and recognized the life-long skills it could bring to her classroom. After last year’s successful run in Bellingham, she’s excited to see the program come to Blaine.
“This evidence-based initiative focuses on nurturing empathy and emotional understanding in young children, and its effects extend well beyond the classroom,” she said in an email, listing improved social skills, emotional literacy and classroom atmosphere as potential benefits.
Depending on how this school year pans out, Roots of Empathy could return to Blaine classrooms next year, McKeown said.
Roots of Empathy can currently support 33 classrooms in Whatcom County, Airoldi said – given there is enough interest from family and instructor volunteers.
This year, the program is expanding to Ferndale, Blaine and Mount Baker school districts. Blaine Primary School hopes to welcome seven families and instructors for the year so there will be one for each second grade classroom.
Those interested in volunteering as a family or an instructor can contact Airoldi about opportunities at sairoldi@rootsofempathy.org. Instructor training sessions will be held Tuesday, October 3 through Thursday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 25 through Friday, October 27.
pended if the driver isn’t doing anything else wrong. Crash data show that suspended drivers are high-risk drivers. Three percent of drivers in Washington have a suspended or revoked license, but drivers with a suspended or revoked license are involved in nine percent of fatal crashes in our state.
When a driver is three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, I’m supportive of a law that prohibits them from driving near other people and vehicles, on roads both public and private.
Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
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