bp Cherry Point near Birch Bay is slated to receive nearly $26.8 million to help the refinery to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time.
The grant funding comes from the help of U.S. senator Maria Cantwell (DWA), who worked to secure the grant program in the Inflation Reduction Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, SAF consists of renewable biomass and waste that has a smaller carbon footprint than petroleum-based jet fuel.
The $26.8 million will fund infrastructure and equipment for SAF production at bp Cherry Point. The project is anticipated to create 96 jobs and produce 10 million gallons of fuel annually, according to a news release from Cantwell’s office.
The Cherry Point production will supply fuel to airports in the region through the Olympic Pipeline, which runs from Ferndale to Portland.
“These grants will kick-start SAF production to supply airports across the Pacific Northwest, build low-emission engines for cleaner regional air travel, and develop technologies to reduce fuel burn and cut costs,” Cantwell wrote in the statement.
This comes after county executive Satpal Sidhu announced in March 2023 that the bp corporate office in London had designated Cherry Point as a preferred location for sustainable aviation fuel production with a green hydrogen capability.
The bp grant was the second highest amount awarded in the U.S. of 36 grants. Cantwell secured over $36 million in federal grants for sustainable aviation projects in the state. Other funds are going toward a hydrogen-electric propulsion research and development facility at Paine Field International Airport in Everett, Seattle-based company
Derby Day closes out summer festivities
s Event volunteers throw rubber ducks into Terrell Creek for the rubber duck derby at
Chamber of Commerce ended its summer events with the one-day festival that
youth activities, family-friendly poker run, book sale, crab derby and rubber duck
Interim medical examiner candidate named
Whatcom County executive Satpal Sidhu announced in a September 3 letter to Whatcom County Council that he intended to appoint Dr. Aldo Fusaro as interim medical examiner while the county recruits a new examiner. Fusaro is expected to start September 10.
Fusaro has served as deputy medical examiner of the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office since 2017 and previously served as associate medical examiner for King County from 2005 to 2017. He started his career in the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in Chicago from 1997 to 2005 after attending medical school at Des Moines University.
As he serves concurrently as deputy
medical examiner in Montana, Fusaro will split his time between states, according to the letter. Local pathologists will perform autopsies when Fusaro is in Montana.
Sidhu announced August 5 that the county began searching for a new medical examiner, which he made in the same announcement that the county had concluded its independent investigation into the storage of two bodies that decomposed over a hot weekend in mid-May. The incident was found to be isolated, and the executive’s office noted the report showed the medical examiner’s office had gaps in protocols.
Fusaro will still need to be approved by the Northwest Washington Medical Society and Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, as well as confirmed by Whatcom County Council during its September 10 meeting, Sidhu wrote.
Port of Bellingham’s PR deal just under legal threshold raises questions
A contract between the Port of Bellingham and Conflux Associates to provide services designed to improve public perception of the port that was authorized by port commissioners at their August 13 regular meeting appears designed to skirt Washington laws that require proof of competitive bidding.
The proposal submitted by Conflux
Associates called for a three-year term and listed the services that would be provided in that time frame. The cost for those services would be $8,283 per month or $298,188 over the life of the contract. The standard agreement for personal services approved by the commissioners was amended to a one-year term for a total expenditure of $99,396. It further stated that the agreement could be extended for multiple terms or
reinstated at the discretion of the port.
The proposal itself remained unchanged as the services provided followed the same three-year timeline.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) stipulates that ports must call for formal bids for contracts valued between $50,000 and $200,000. According to port public affairs administrator Mike
The Northern Light previously reported that Sidhu appeared to have not followed the Whatcom County Charter when hiring the previous medical examiner, Dr. Allison Hunt in 2021.
The charter outlines that the county executive can only appoint a medical examiner approved by the medical society and sheriff. Dr. Marta Kazymyra, the representative for the medical society, said she did not recommend the county’s hire of Hunt. A public records request showed then-sheriff Bill Elfo had concerns about Hunt’s managerial and administrative experience from his notes in the first interview, but his final recommendation remained unknown.
Kazymyra said the county was including
(See ME Office, page 3)
Photo
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Carl’s Jr. opens in Bens Market Travel Plaza
s Justin Christensen of Christensen Fuels, l., and Bens Market Travel Plaza owner Ben Joshi in front of Carl’s Jr. on the fast food restaurant’s August 30 grand opening. Carl’s Jr. is the last restaurant to open in the mini-market, which sells Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Pizza Hut and 76 gas at 1300 Boblett Street, off State Route 543. Bens Market Travel Plaza opened January 24.
ME Office...
From page 1
the medical society in this hiring process, but she still felt wary of county staff after the last hiring.
“I think they see the problem they got themselves into and they’re being inclusive of the Northwest Washington Medical Society,” Kazymyra said.
Kazymyra added that the 2021 hiring process excluded candidates who didn’t have in-state licenses, despite few forensic pathologists working in Washington state. The county has now dropped the instate medical license requirement after the medical society recently raised concerns about it.
As of September 3, Hunt continued to serve as medical examiner and Hunt Forensics continued providing services stipulated in the contract with Whatcom County, wrote Jed Holmes, spokesperson
Fuel ...
From page 1
APiJET to develop software for airlines to operate of fuel-optimized routes, and a Boeing program to improve the measurement of fuel in an airplane fuel tank, according to the news release.
for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office, in an email to The Northern Light
“Discussions on a transition plan are ongoing,” Holmes wrote.
Hunt’s lawyer, Joan Mell, told The Northern Light in mid-August that Hunt initiated leaving her contract and the scope of her service obligations would be decided in litigation.
Hunt had said Whatcom County had indicated that it intended to “move forward status quo or sue me for breach of contract.”
Mell could not be reached for an update on the legal proceedings with the contract.
Holmes said Whatcom County selected Fusaro because he previously worked in King County and his name was brought up when the county called other jurisdictions about potential forensic pathologists who could help in the interim.
“Whatcom County considered several options for meeting our
need for medical examiner services, including contracting with other counties. In the end, the option of appointing an interim medical examiner turned out to be the least challenging logistically,” Holmes wrote. “No providers other than Dr. Fusaro came forward to offer to serve as medical examiner on an interim basis. We look forward to the outcome of the competitive hiring process for the permanent position and continue [to] advertise it broadly.”
Whatcom County has received five applicants for the medical examiner position so far and anticipates holding interviews during the first half of October, Holmes wrote. He said the county would like to have the recruitment process finished after interviews in October but that it was hard to predict a start date because many of the candidates, if not all, were applying from outside of Whatcom County.
Scottish & Irish Dance Classes
Clan Heather Dancers
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary Year Performance - Competition - Fun Participate in the 2025 Scottish Gathering!
Heather Richendrfer, Director Life Member, British Association of Teachers of Dance ClanHeather.com (360) 715-8682 dance@clanheather.com
Friday, Sept. 6 – Sunday, Sept. 8
Or while supplies last Indulge in the exquisite flavor of our special Wagyu Ribeye Steak dinner
Available for a limited time only! Don't miss out—get it while it's here!
Photo by Louise Mugar
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
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Contributors In This Issue Deborah Cole, Pete Nelson
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 13
Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Retired Borderites celebrate first day of school OpiniOn Letters
The Editor:
In regards to your article about Fredy Martin Esteban; he was 20 years old when he was accused of raping a 5-yearold girl he was babysitting while her mom was at work. After describing what happened to her, her mom took her to be examined at the hospital. The police also arrived there, and afterwards immediately arrested Esteban on November 11, 2022. His bail was set at $200,000, but Esteban’s attorney wanted his bail reduced, so the court offered a cash alternative of $20,000. On January 21, 2023, his cash bail was paid and he walked out a free man.
His tentative trial date was set for March 20, 2023. He never showed up –disappeared into thin air. On August 5, after almost two years since his arrest, they found him in California. How many other children has he raped during the time he has been free? Harmful cases go before the judge who considers if the person is a “flight risk.” What judge decided Esteban wasn’t a flight risk? A 20 year old with strong evidence that he raped a 5-year-old little girl? What judge in his right mind would ever allow this guy to go free by even allowing any bail to be set at all?
Often the courts will not set bail for murder charges, even though the person hasn’t been found guilty or innocent yet. The same should be for child-rape cases.
My feeling is the judge is complicit in the crime. By letting Esteban out on
bail, the judge has aided and abetted him by letting him go free. How many more children has he had time to rape?
Cindy Kisska Birch Bay
The Editor:
In response to Gary Meader’s letter last week; thank you Gary for saying so well, what I wanted to say! This is the first time that my husband and I have ever watched an entire DNC or RNC. It left us with a hope we had not felt for our political system in a long time. I was an independent. I had already decided to never vote Republican again in 2016. I couldn’t believe Trump was elected as the candidate then, let alone now. The Republican party is not what it used to be.
Quoting Kamala Harris, from her interview on CNN 8/29/24.
“I’m talking about an era that started about a decade ago, where there is some suggestion, warped I believe it to be, that the measure of a leader is based on who you beat down, instead of where I believe most Americans are, which is to believe that the true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up. That’s what’s at stake as much as any other detail that we could discuss in this election.”
So yes Gary, I join you in voting for a positive future for America on November 5. I am thankful we have mail-in, secure voting in Washington. I have never felt there was a more important election than this one.
Laura Parce Birch Bay
CiviC Meetings
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 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: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
The Editor:
It’s truly baffling that someone would go out of their way to enter a Birch Bay business solely to complain about the presence of an information booth run by the Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) outside. This scenario, though it sounds absurd, unfortunately highlights where some individuals seem more interested in stifling dialogue than engaging in it.
A recent BBIA survey that was completed online by 639 Birch Bay residents (May 7– July 7, 2024) on the incorporation of Birch Bay, showed 43 percent wanted more information before they could decide. Having an information booth to provide resources so residents can form their own educated opinions just makes sense.
The BBIA’s mission is to explore the idea of Birch Bay becoming a city. This is not a clandestine operation or some covert attempt to force a particular agenda. It’s a public service, aimed at ensuring that residents are well-informed about an issue that could significantly impact our community. If someone disagrees with the concept of incorporation, that’s their prerogative, and they’re welcome to share their perspective. The booth is simply a conduit for information – nothing more. But to complain about the existence of an information booth? That’s not just ridicu-
(See Letters, next page)
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
s Blaine school district retired teachers and staff met at the Peace Arch City Cafe in downtown Blaine at 8 a.m. August 28, to celebrate the first day of school. Retirees from the ‘90s through 2024 were represented.
Photo by Carol Beatty
9/11 memorial will be held at the Peace Arch
B y G race M c c arthy
A 9/11 memorial will take place under the Peace Arch during the morning of September 11 to remember those who lost their lives in the terror attacks.
The public is invited to attend the memorial, with arrival to the Peace Arch encouraged
around 10:20 a.m., event organizer Ian Thompson said. First responders from the U.S. and Canada, including firefighters, law enforcement, and customs and border services officers will attend. A representative from the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver and B.C. politician Rich Coleman have been invited to
Take that, Richard May!
B y P at G ru BB
It seems like the Port of Bellingham commission, recently notorious for authorizing $100,000 of public money to be spent on making the public like them, isn’t fond of uppity city council members. Executive administrator Carey Hansen reported at the commission’s August 20 meeting that she had sent invitations to every Blaine City Council member for a port/city meeting to discuss the
Letters ...
From previous page
lous; it’s counterproductive. Why, then, would someone feel compelled to disrupt an establishment to voice their disapproval of such an initiative? Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding of the booth’s purpose. Maybe it’s a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of change. Or worse, it might be an attempt to suppress the flow of information and prevent others from making their own informed decisions.
The beauty of living in a community like Birch Bay is that we have the freedom to discuss, debate, and deliberate on issues that affect us all. Shutting down or complaining about an information booth runs counter to the very principles of democracy and community engagement.
Let’s focus on encouraging open dialogue, not silencing it. After all, an informed community is a stronger, more resilient one. Complaints that seek to shut down information-sharing only undermine the process of making thoughtful, collective decisions for Birch Bay’s future.
Sharman Burnam Birch Bay
The Editor:
I am writing this in an attempt to correct the record as to what actually happened to the historic Plover’s starboard stern on Sunday, August 25, as reported in the August 29 issue of The Northern Light newspaper. The article reported that a metal plate covering the Plover’s stern’s corner had “fell off” because of rot during required training.
The metal plate and subsequent structural damage to the vessel’s stern simply did not fall off but rather it was broken off due to operator error when the stern of the Plover experienced a collision with a solid object.
give speeches, and there will be bagpipe music.
“We welcome the public to come to the Peace Arch and observe the whole thing,” Thompson said.
The ceremony is organized by the 9/11 Memorial Ride, which is expected to bring about 150 motorcyclists, many of whom are off-duty first responders, to the park.
Motorcyclists will have breakfast and a safety meeting 7:30-9:45 a.m. at the Cascades Casino in Delta, B.C. before the group descends to the Peace Arch at 10 a.m.
The 9/11 memorial is expected to start at 10:30 a.m.
For more information on the event, visit facebook.com/911memorialridebc.
September 9, 2024 4:00 PM – Study Session: 2025 Utilities Budget 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting
September 12, 2024 9:30 AM – Public Works and Park Advisory Board Meeting
September 23, 2024 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting
port’s investment plans for the harbor.
Just two councilmembers responded. Mayor Mary Lou Steward said she’d be happy to attend but Richard May said that’s not the way they do it in Blaine, according to Hansen. “He said that that’s not how they work, and if we want to have a meeting with them, that we need to do a work study. And he said the only available date this year for work study is at 4 p.m. on August 26,” said Hansen.
The city of Blaine’s new Plover captain was operating the ferry at the time and told an employee of the Port of Bellingham Blaine Harbor that Sunday there was an accident that caused the damage to the Plover’s stern. The captain showed the damaged stern to the prt employee. Indeed there was dry rot behind the metal plate but that wasn’t the reason for the damage or why the metal plate had fallen off.
Richard C. Sturgill
Former
Blaine
manager of the Plover
The Editor:
$130,000 for repairs? But wait, isn’t the contract for more than just repairs? Also, please review the length of time the money was spent. This is a historic commercial vessel that must meet Coast Guard standards. Despite what some people might say, you don’t just buy a boat like the Plover. The Plover is a tourist attraction that draws people to our downtown and waterfront, helping our local economy grow.
The typical annual salary of the shipwright is $65,000; I am pretty sure the Plover was not a one-person job. If you are lucky, a U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain might be as little as $30,000 (per season). You still need a seasonal deckhand to help, which will run you at least $10,000 (per season). It would be a completely different story if these are considered union jobs.
While I don’t have the exact Plover story, this is an example of what happens to old wooden boats when they’re taken out of the water for repairs.
When an old wooden boat is removed from salt water and left exposed to the elements for two years, it deteriorates rapidly in both visible and hidden ways. As the wood dries, it shrinks, cracks, and splits, leaving seams and joints exposed. This drying process, combined with rain
Port director Rob Fix jumped in at that point and said he recommended setting a date to send to city council and see who responds with an interest “because so far we’ve only talked to one” councilmember. “Let me reach out to the mayor and the city manager and try to work through this because I don’t want to just write this off. I think the city’s interested in that and I don’t want one councilmember to shoot it down,” Fix said.
Commissioner Ken Bell was
and temperature changes, creates conditions ripe for rot, often in places that are not immediately noticeable. Dry rot silently spreads within the wood, undermining the boat’s structure before any outward signs appear. Moisture trapped in shaded or enclosed areas encourages mold and mildew, accelerating decay.
The boat’s paint and varnish degrade under UV exposure, peeling away to reveal the vulnerable wood underneath. Without this protective layer, the wood darkens, weathers, and becomes increasingly susceptible to the elements. Metal parts, once preserved by salt water, corrode quickly in open air. Rust attacks fasteners and fittings, weakening them, while galvanized and brass components lose their protective coatings and begin to oxidize. Ropes, fabrics, and leather exposed to sun and rain stiffen, crack, and deteriorate, compromising the boat’s functionality and integrity.
Don Enos Blaine
in agreement with the meeting idea but not with the invitation list. “I don’t think we invite Richard [May]. Now invite everybody but Richard, it doesn’t work for him anyway,” said Bell. It looks like the consultant the port hired to make people like them will have to work extra hard to win Richard May over.
(Bell announced at the port’s September 3 meeting that the port would meet with Blaine City Council on September 19).
September 24, 2024 3:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting
October 10, 2024 9:30 AM – Public Works and Park Advisory Board Meeting
October 14, 2024 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting
Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website www.cityofblaine.com
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
THE CITY OF BLAINE IS CURRENTLY SEEKING MEMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL VACANCY:
CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
PEOPLE LIVING IN WARD 1 – POSITION 2 ARE ELIGIBLE.
This is an excellent opportunity to serve your community. Regular City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month. Attendance is also required at Study Sessions and Special Council meetings. Applications may be submitted online at https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/327/City-Council”https://www. ci.blaine.wa.us/327/City-Council. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for additional information at HYPERLINK “mailto:ClerkRecords@cityofblaine.com”ClerkRecords@ cityofblaine.com.
The applicant must be a citizen of the U.S. and the state of Washington, a registered voter of the city at the time of filing, and a resident of the city for at least one (1) year. This appointment will fill a vacancy until the November election in 2025.
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM Friday, September 20, 2024. The City Council is expected to interview applicants in October.
Here is a QR code to the City Council page where the ward map and application can be found:
Borderite fall sports preview: New faces, same high expectations
Summer is over, and the fall sports season has officially arrived in Blaine. Borderite football, girls soccer, cross-country and volleyball will all begin their seasons in the coming days, and expectations are running high.
Volleyball will be helmed by a new head coach, Kjirstin Assink, the former Blaine High School C-team coach, while football head coach Andy Olson and cross-country coach Roberto Aguilera both enter their second seasons with Blaine. Gio Quesada will helm the girls soccer team after a competitive 2023 season.
The Blaine Athletic Department also unveiled a new and improved website over the summer, borderitesathletics.com, and just announced a new mobile app for iOS and Android phones: “Blaine Athletics.”
Football
Head coach Andy Olson heads into his second season leading the Borderites with a slightly different roster after losing a number of senior skill position players to graduation. Blaine finished last season with a 3-7 record, failing to make a spot in the district playoffs, but Olson said he hopes the team improves this season with a stronger defensive front line.
While the team lost some experience on the wings, it gained more experience on the offensive and defensive lines, and the whole team has hit the weight room hard over the offseason, Olson said. Olson implemented an early-morning weight training routine after the end of last season, and invited athletes from all Blaine teams to attend.
“The physicality has changed and I do attribute a lot of that to
the weight room,” Olson said.
“That’s provided them with confidence to go and say, ‘I can stick somebody on the perimeter and make a play.’”
In a hyper-competitive league like the Northwest Conference, getting stronger is always a good thing. Even with a younger receiving core, Olson expects a ton of improvement from that group under the guidance of senior quarterback Colin Davis.
“We love Colin [Davis],” Olson said. “He’s a two-year team captain for us who’s been a leader on and off the field throughout our time together over the past two years. He’s our guy. He does a really good job of teaching while also playing.”
Blaine football’s first game of the season is at home against Renton on Saturday, September 7 at 3 p.m.
Cross-country
Roberto Aguilera will lead a Blaine cross-country team that looks to improve on a 2023 season that Aguilera called a “warm up”
for his coaching career, with big years expected for returning veteran runners Steven Phelps-McDonald, Tucker Greene, Ian Tuski and Verdaan Aujla.
The head coach said he doesn’t like setting goals and expectations for players, but knows that each member of the team has personal goals that he can help them reach, whether that is a state championship, or a personal best race.
“I let them talk to themselves about their goals,” Aguilera said. “I want everyone to do the best to their capabilities and build confidence year after year, and understand that it does take a lot of mental and physical toughness to do this sport.”
Aguilera said that with a grueling sport like cross-country, the goal for a coach is to get their student-athletes showing up and trying their best every practice and every meet, and he expects that of this year’s team.
“I’m excited to accomplish our goals,” Aguilera said. “I want them to do good for themselves and I want them to always enjoy the sport.”
The Blaine cross-country team maintained a team of 14 runners, the same number as 2023, and will officially start the season at the Gear-Up Northwest Preview at Civic Field in Bellingham on Saturday, September 14 at 10 a.m.
Volleyball
Head coach Kjirstin Assink will run the Blaine volleyball program after head coach Jacquie Tesarik retired at the end of the 2023 season after a decade running the varsity team.
“I know a bunch of the girls already, but I think the big thing is just being disciplined and working hard,” Assink said. “There are so many positives that come with that, whether it leads us to a state championship or even just getting to districts or being able to go to Yakima [for the postseason].”
Speaking of discipline, while running an offseason physical conditioning regimen for the team, Assink has also been coaching her players on mental skills as well, with the help of Zoom calls with a mental skills coach.
Assink grew up in Blaine and attended Blaine school district from kindergarten through high school, playing volleyball at school and club levels. After high school, she attended Whatcom Community College, where she continued her volleyball career collegiately before beginning her coaching career.
Assink has eight years of volleyball coaching under her belt, and four years coaching Blaine’s C-team, so the head coach already has a feel for the culture and history of Blaine volleyball.
“We saw a lot through the season. Kids get in mental blocks during the game and they just can’t get out of it,” Assink said. “Mental toughness is huge in any sport. Teaching these kids to be mentally tough and show them that through volleyball is a huge goal that I have.”
Blaine volleyball starts the season on the road against Meridian on Thursday, September 5 at 5 p.m. The team’s first home game will be against Lakewood on Thursday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Blaine girls soccer had a pain -
ful exit last season, narrowly losing out on a spot in the state playoffs in a 2-0 loss to Lynden Christian.
This year, the Borderites hope to make an even deeper postseason run despite losing a few high-performing seniors.
Goalkeeper Larissa Pluschakov enters her senior season with high expectations after two solid seasons as the starting goalie, earning a first-team All-Conference selection last season.
Midfielder/forward Juliana Zuzarte will lead the team on the field, with the speedy track star entering her senior season with a first-team All-Conference selection of her own. Sophomore defender Kaitlyn Ritter Von Trautmann, the third returning Borderite to receive a first-team All-Conference selection last season, will hold down the back line.
The Borderites’ first game of the season will be on the road against Oak Harbor on Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. The first home game will be against Lakewood on Thursday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
B y N ola N B aker
s Colin Davis looks to the sideline before snapping the ball during a 2023 game against Port Angeles. The Borderites finished the season 3-7.
Photo by Nolan Baker
s From top, three Borderites await a serve during a 2023 volleyball game in Blaine. Forward Juliana Zuzarte passes the ball through a pair of defenders during a 2023 game at Borderite Stadium. Owen Woodworth runs through Peace Arch State Park during a 2023 meet.
Photos by Nolan Baker
Judge blocks Healthy Children’s Fund repeal
B y N ola N B aker
A ballot initiative to repeal the Healthy Children’s Fund, a voter-backed childcare and early development property tax, will not be on November ballots after a Whatcom County Superior Court judge ruled it violated the state Constitution on September 3.
Judge Lee Grochmal ruled that a property tax voted by the public may not be repealed via initiative, and found the initiative “substantially invalid,” according to court documents.
“Unlike a statewide measure, the local initiative process has a very limited scope and measures that exceed that scope cannot proceed to the ballot,” Grochmal wrote in her ruling, granting an injunction sought by Protect Whatcom Kids, a political group formed to combat the repeal initiative.
Whatcom County voters passed the Healthy Children’s Fund in the November 2022 general election by just 20 votes, and it is set to raise $100 million for early childhood learning and care. The tax is $0.19 per $1,000 in assessed property value.
A Lynden-based political action committee, Washingtonians for a Sound Economy,
began gathering signatures to support a repeal of the tax in the November 2024 general election, and collected enough to introduce the initiative to ballots by early June.
The initiative was mulled over by county council for multiple meetings throughout the summer, and was ultimately approved for the ballot before Grochmal’s decision.
Whatcom County has already granted millions of dollars in funding to support parents, doula programs, resources for at-risk families, and has plans for $7
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Date: 09/18/2024, Time: 2pm-7pm
Date: 09/18/2024, Time: 2pm-7pm Birch Bay Square, 8115
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#118, Blaine, WA. 98230
Date: 09/18/2024, Time: 2pm-7pm
Date: 09/18/2024, Time: 2pm-7pm
Date: 09/18/2024, Time: 2pm-7pm Birch
Terrell V Goertz
Active S eniors
Blaine equestrian Diane Moon achieves Century Club status
When Blaine resident Diane Moon began riding horses 30 years ago, at age 50, she knew she was unlike a lot of her peers who had begun riding at much younger ages. What Moon lacked in youthful pony club and summer camp experiences on horseback, she made up for with her strong desire to stay physically fit. Together with her horse, Chimo, she competed successfully in show jumping for 13 years until he needed to retire from sport due to age related issues. Being “horseless” did not deter Moon, who then decided to learn dressage on leased horses and
lesson mounts. Her husband, David, supported this choice because it seemed safer than jumping and no one was getting younger.
Dressage is a French word that translates to “training.” The International Federation for Equestrian Sports describes dressage as “the highest expression of horse training” and considers it the most artistic of the equestrian sports. According to the international federation, the tests are ridden from memory and follow a prescribed pattern of movements, except for freestyle, which is choreographed for each horse and performed to music.
Moon has studied dressage with excellent instructors internationally including Monique Fraser in B.C. and Dawn Morgan of Valley View Farm in Ferndale.
Now, at age 80, her most recent accomplishment on horseback was realized during a United States Dressage Foundation recognized horse show held at Whidbey Equestrian Center in Coupeville on August 10. Moon rode Vanity Fair, a 23-year-old Hanoverian cross mare.
It was a special milestone for both rider and horse as they
went down centerline to complete a century ride, when the horse and riders combined age is 100 years or more. The United States Dressage Foundation officially recognized this achievement. Moon and Vanity Fair enjoyed a very respectable
Redefining the aging process
B y P ete N elso N
We are often asked how old we are, but it does not define you.
My age is 60. This may show I
am now eligible for AARP membership, have two years until I am eligible for Social Security, and may find an occasional discount. However, it does not tell you any-
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thing about me.
As a society, we use age as a marker for many things. In the health system, age can give us markers for susceptibility to var-
score from the judges of 69.423 percent. In a presentation, Moon was awarded an engraved vase and flowers from her coach and teammates, and given the highly coveted century ride ribbon that few riders will attain. Moon is dedicated to staying
ious illnesses and physiological changes. In government, age identifies specific aid such as access to Social Security or Medicare. However, many of these systems based around our age are “benefits” that acknowledge, good or bad, we have made it this far.
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active and riding down centerline for dressage tests at age 80. She is truly an inspiration to those around her – in horsemanship, and life.
Deborah Cole, of Spokane, owns Vanity Fair, the horse that Diane Moon rode for the century ride.
We have developed a bad habit of asking about age often in our personal lives. We have taken on bias regarding age and let it define us, also known as ageism. The stigma of aging puts us into a category. We see movies or shows that
(See Seniors, next page)
s The U.S. Dressage Foundation recognizes Blaine resident Diane Moon, 80, and horse Vanity Fair, 23, for entering the Century Club, meaning the age of the rider and horse add up to at least 100, at the Whidbey Equestrian Center in Coupeville on August 10 . Ferndale coach Dawn Morgan, center l., and Vanity Fair’s owner Deborah Cole, r., celebrate the achievement.
Photo courtesy David Moon
s Diane Moon rides Vanity Fair.
Photo courtesy David Moon
September Blaine Senior Center Lunch Menu 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Thu, Sep. 5: Chili Stuffed Baked Potato, w/ Sour Cream & Onions, Steamed Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit Crisp
Fri, Sep. 6: Chicken Apple Walnut Salad or Veggie Salad, Whole Grain Roll, Fresh Grapes
Mon, Sep. 30: French Dip w/ Swiss Cheese or Veggie Beef Dip, Roasted Red Potatoes, Coleslaw, Watermelon
Subject to change. While quantities last.
(See Seniors, previous page) depict elder generations in a stereotypical fashion and then have younger generations, because of these stereotypes, who see getting older as a loss of vitality, progressiveness and innovation. Among the aging, many have accepted the chronological bias, but, to that, I give a loud “humbug.”
As Blaine Senior Center director, I could define our center as a place where people go to slip into the abyss of ageism, a place where people go when they can no longer compete in today’s world and need to be coddled. Instead, the center is a center for active living.
I tell people every day that it is “stage, not age.” As a 50-plus individual in our community, do not let your age define you. Look at the amazing stages in life that allow us to continue to grow.
Empower yourself by focusing on the stage you are in and know that with a proactive approach to living at any age, you can become more emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physically stronger. You can define the stage you want to be in.
If we are aware that life can
evolve at any age, we can improve as we get older. This is how society begins to make the transition from labeling us as old and embraces us as individuals who can be empowered. Age does not define us – it is simply an obstacle as we continue our quest to live fully and joyfully.
The Blaine Senior Center has structured itself to embrace the adventure of getting older. The center has strength training and fitness classes to feel better and be stronger, as well as programs such as music, art and meditation to continue learning. There are also games to help us laugh and play, but most importantly, we have community.
Giving back as a member helps to embrace gratitude, nurture compassion and allows abundance to take on new meaning. Our number one rule of being kind opens the doors to amazing relationships. Community allows the power of one to take on a new shape with the power of many.
Do not let age define you. Define your age by continuing to get better at every stage of life.
Pete Nelson is executive director of Blaine Senior Center.
Birch Bay Derby Day 2024
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted Derby Day throughout several locations in Birch Bay on August 31.
The last big chamber event of the summer included the Friends of Birch Bay Library’s 5K fun run, a family-friendly poker run around Birch Bay, story time and youth activities at the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express lawn, crab derby and the rubber duck derby through Terrell Creek.
Photos by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, unless otherwise indicated
by
Photo
Molly Ernst
CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Sylvia Rae Whitehead, Deceased. NO. 24-4-00739-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: David E. Freeman
The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: August 29, 2024
Personal Representative: Wendy L. Johnson 4076 Saltspring Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 24-4-00739-37.
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 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 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. The Notice to Creditors will be published in The Northern Light.
Date of First Publication: August 29, 2024
Date of Second Publication: September 5, 2024
Date of Third Publication: September 12, 2024
Port ...
From page 1
Hogan, the port maintains a Municipal Research and Service Center (MRSC) roster for entities wishing to do business with the port and can contract with those entities without utilizing a formal bid procedure if the contract is under $100,000. The Conflux Associates contract falls $604 short of that trigger.
RCW 53.19.020 requires all personal service contracts (the type used in this instance) to be subject to competitive solicitation except for “contracts of fifty thousand dollars or greater but less than two hundred thousand shall have documented evidence of competition. Ports shall not structure contracts to evade these requirements.”
Further, RCW 53.19.040 states “Sole source contracts shall be filed with the commission and made available for public inspection prior to the proposed starting date of the contract. Documented justification for sole source contracts shall be provided to the commission when the contract is filed. For sole source contracts of fifty thousand dollars or more, documented justification shall include evidence that the port attempted to identify potential consultants.”
There are penalties for failing to comply with competitive procurement. Port commissioners or employees can be fined $300, and the consultant performing the work can be fined $300 plus a civil penalty equal to 25 percent of the contract, or $24,849 in this case.
Hogan provided a link to a MRSC roster containing personal and professional consulting contracts with various entities current to July 1, 2024. Of 485 contracts, all but five were selected on a competitive basis for amounts from as little as $250 up to nearly $1 million. The five exceptions were sole source contracts with the highest amount contracted being just shy of $18,000 except for one for research and communications manager consultant Jennifer Noveck at $100,716 for a 23-month stint.
Conflux Associates was registered as a limited liability company on June 12, 2017, with governors listed as Peter and Aimee Frazier. Its street address is a residential address on Chuckanut Point Road in Bellingham and it has no company website, as far as can be determined. It is not known if the company has any employees.
The contract was part of the consent agenda at the August 13 meeting. Consent agendas usually include items requiring commissioner approval that are typical in nature and don’t require discussion. Who placed it on the consent agenda is not known and is one of the questions posed to Hogan but not received by press time. The Northern Light also asked Hogan who changed the contract from three years to one year, at what meeting was the contract discussed in open public session by the commissioners, if the port re -
OBITUARIES
Donald (Don) Thompson
December 1, 1937 – August 23, 2024
Donald (Don) Thompson was born on December 1, 1937, just 15 minutes after his identical twin brother Richard (Dick). He was one of nine children born to the late Emory and Mildred Thompson of Bellingham. After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1956, Don joined the Navy, spending most of his service time in Guam. On a fateful day trip to Vancouver after he returned home to Bellingham, he stopped to ask a woman and her daughter for directions, never imagining that this simple act would change the course of his life forever. For it was in that moment that he met the woman's daughter, the love of his life, Patricia Brown of Vancouver, BC.
After they married, he accepted a job with Lawrence Manufacturing, and they moved to Seattle, where they raised their family. Don was a kind man with a big heart and goofy sense of humor. He was always willing to step in when asked to help with a project. He was an engineer at heart with a keen mind and imagination, receiving several patents for his inventions along the way. He used his endless curiosity about the world around him when creating, taking great satisfaction in the work and beauty of something that he imagined and then built with his own hands – whether it was a speedboat or a house. And it was always constructed to the highest of standards.
While living in Burien, Don earned his pilot’s license and flew a Cessna 210. He coached Bart’s soccer team for four years, then refereed several more years and played in the “Fossil League.”
After retiring, Don and Pat split their time between homes in Bellingham, Phoenix, and Hawaii, and were fortunate to spend many years traveling the world, something they loved to do together. Don was a Christian, who lived his faith every single day. He was a loving, supportive, and encouraging husband, father, brother, and friend.
Donald George Thompson died on Friday, August 23, just four days shy of his and Pat's 64th wedding anniversary. His wide, easy smile will be missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia, their three children Colleen Jones of Las Vegas, NV, Michelle Thompson of Sahuarita, AZ, and Bart Thompson (Kathryn) of Bellingham; as well as all eight of his siblings, Bill Thompson (Marsha) of Camano Island; Dick Thompson of Orcas Island; Linda Miller (Gale) of Newberg, OR; Rea Thompson (Judi) of Granbury, TX; Patricia Tuor of Bellevue; Autumn Cole of Bellingham; Mary Johnson of Chehalis; Scott Thompson (Donna) of Puyallup; Pat’s sister Shannon Poulsen (Jef) of White Rock, BC; grandsons Christopher and Justin Estacio, as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
Services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 with inurnment at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 5977 Northwest Drive, Ferndale WA 98248 followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road, Blaine WA 98230.
Memorials are suggested to The Lighthouse Mission, P.O. Box 548, Bellingham WA 98227.
quested to see samples of similar work performed by Conflux Associates prior to the contract being granted and the genesis of the proposal. In other words, did the proposal come independently from the consultant or did the port come up with
the idea and approached the consultant? In addition, it is unknown if the contract had been reviewed by legal counsel prior to its approval and if so, why it was not flagged for review for compliance with the relevant RCWs.
s From l.; Port of Bellingham commissioners Bobby Briscoe, Ken Bell and Michael Shepard.
Photo courtesy Port of Bellingham
sheriff’s repOrts
August 25, 10:01 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on West Badger Road.
August 25, 5:20 p.m.: Shots on Eddie Lane.
August 25, 8:33 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Cowichan Road.
August 26, 4:06 a.m.: Civil problem on Harborview Road.
August 26, 10:35 a.m.: Trespass on Gulf Road.
August 26, 7:19 p.m.: Sex crime – no rape – cold call on Leeside Drive.
August 27, 3:34 a.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
August 27, 6:06 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Harbor Drive.
August 27, 6:14 p.m.: Burglary arrest on Harborview Road.
August 27, 6:29 p.m.: Vandalism arrest on Valley View Road.
August 28, 3:03 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Harborview Road.
August 28, 11:19 a.m.: Animal problem cold call on H Street Road.
August 28, 6:40 p.m.: Domes-
tic physical on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
August 29, 7:31 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on West Badger Road.
August 29, 2:46 p.m.: Trespass on Grandview Road.
August 29, 4:00 p.m.: Civil standby cold call on Hazel Lane.
August 29, 4:02 p.m.: Theft
cold call on Harborview Road.
August 30, 9:32 a.m.: Theft cold call on Crocket Road.
August 30, 4:29 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
August 31, 9:30 a.m.: Drug arrest on Birch Bay Drive.
August 31, 7:47 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
pOLiCe repOrts
August 24, 12:17 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on H Street.
August 25, 3:50 a.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street.
August 25, 11:56 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on E Street.
August 26, 8:16 a.m.: Vandalism on H Street.
August 26, 12:00 p.m.: Fraud on Peace Portal Drive.
August 26, 10:11 p.m.: Theft on Alder Street.
August 27, 3:18 a.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
August 27, 9:23 a.m.: Theft on H Street.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Engine additive
4. A type of test
8. Curtail 10. Irish surname 11. The opposite of good 12. Got rid of 13. Central parts of a church building 15. Stylistically 16. Intestinal 17. Negative potential outcomes 18. Lived up to a standard 21. Snag 22. Time units (abbr.) 23. Ad __ 24. “Partridge” actress Susan 25. For each 26. __ Paulo, city 27. League titles 34. More intensely black 35. Slang for lovely 36. Petrarch is known for them
37. Old Eurasian wheat
38. Body part 39. Swedish rock group 40. They’re worth avoiding 41. Rising and falling of the voice
42. Wings 43. Enzyme import for respiration DOWN 1. Idyllic 2. South Pacific island nations 3. Shrub of the olive family 4. Boundaries 5. Encircle 6. Weights 7. Samberg is one 9. Sheep sound 10. European country 12. Respected group of people 14. Trigraph 15. Prosecutors
17. Assign a nickname 19. Huge size 20. Partner to cheese 23. Fastballs 24. Principle underlying the universe 25. Distinct units of sound 26. Title of respect 27. Against 28. Foot (Latin) 29. One point east of due south 30. Concerning the blood 31. Type of pentameter 32. North American peoples 33. Layers of rock 34. Georges __, French philosopher
36. Lengthy tale
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Coming up
Winter Coat Drive: Through September 30. Donations of clean, good quality used or new winter coats, gloves, hats and socks for men, women and kids. Donation drop off locations: Blaine Library, IGA market, Pacific Building Center, Blaine Senior Center, Semiahmoo Resort, CAP clothing bank, Birch Bay Village recreation center, Windermere- Birch Bay Square, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Junior Ranger Program: Friday, September 6, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Learn about the trees at the park. Geared for Children 6–13 years old. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Live Music at the Center: Friday, September 6, 5:30–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Featuring house band, Jaded Lovers, playing rock and country classics, dancing and more. $5 suggested donation. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
August 27, 6:22 p.m.: Assault – simple on Harborview Road.
August 28, 9:52 a.m.: Suspicious person on H Street.
August 29, 1:45 p.m.: Suicidal subject on H Street.
August 29, 6:58 p.m.: Surrender of weapons on H Street.
August 29, 7:21 p.m.: Theft on H Street.
August 29, 7:41 p.m.: Surrender of weapons on H Street.
August 29, 10:40 p.m.: Harassment on H Street.
August 30, 2:34 p.m.: Civil standby on Mary Avenue.
tides
September 5-11 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Raptors of the Northwest: Saturday, September 7, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Parks wildlife theater. Volunteer trainers from Sardis Raptor Center will bring live birds and provide insight into identification anatomy of flight, the raptor’s role in the environment. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Whatcom Grooves: Saturday, September 7, 7–8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Featuring the Jerry Steinhilber with Ben Thomas on vibraphone Trio. Celebrate (late) summer, music and libraries and discover what’s new at local libraries and join neighbors in a joyous evening of live music. Free. Bring a lawn chair.
The Bridge Boutique Ladies Tea Fundraiser: Saturday, September 7, 5–7 p.m., The Christian Way Community Church, 1733 H Street #260. Door prizes, silent auction, guest speaker Andra Skorka. Tickets $5 at the door or online at thechristianway.church. All proceeds benefit The Bridge Community Hope Center.
Blaine Emergency Response Team Info Night: Tuesday, September 10, 6–9 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn about the Blaine Emergency Response Team, see demonstrations on life saving first aid techniques, how to put out a fire, how to move an injured person and how to put together a “go bag”. New volunteers welcome. Info: catynwine@gmail.com.
Scam Informational Workshop: Wednesday, September 11, 5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn simple steps to stop the scams of today. Taught By Pete Nelson, executive director of Blaine Senior Center and representatives from Banner Bank. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Learning How to Learn: Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Other Educational Challenges: Thursday, September 12 and Monday, September 16, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Two free sessions on living, loving and learning about children who are non-typical students. Come to one or both sessions. Non-typical, unique learners are doing the best they can when they wiggle too much or appear to misbehave. Learn how, why and what to do from Suzanne Cresswell a pediatric occupational and physical therapist (retired) and author. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Vaccination Clinic: Friday, September 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Seasonal flu shots, Covid-19, pneumonia 65+, and RSV 60+. Please sign up in the senior center office. Insurance or cash required. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Whatcom Water Week Events: September 14–22. Run with the Chums 5K, cleanup events, guided and self-paced tours, photo contests, children’s story times and crafts, trivia and more. Info: whatcomwaterweeks.org.
12th Annual Run with the Chums: Saturday September 14, 10 a.m., bp highlands, 6898 Point Whitehorn Road. Kids’ Smolt Sprint obstacle course begins at 9:45 a.m. Free 5K run in celebration of healthy water, habitat and people. All speeds welcome. Registration: whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums.
Catoberfest Fundraiser: Saturday, September 14, noon–7 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Live music by Dad Company, Paper Hearts and Michael Dayvid, games, food and beer garden, costume contest, silent auction. Must be 21+. Rain or shine. VIP tickets $50, general admission tickets $25. Tickets and info: beachcatbrewing.com. All proceeds benefit the Blaine Food Bank.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of August 26 to September 1, 0.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-to-date precipitation is 22.8 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 80.6°F on August 31 with a low of 49.3°F on August 29. Average high was 74.5°F and average low was 52.9°F.
Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, September 14, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. Eight games $15. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. for $8. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Garden of the Salish Sea Family Beach Day: Sunday, September 15, 9–11:30 a.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Explore the intertidal zone with beach naturalists, identify different organisms using ID guides, help pick up and track marine debris. Registration, ID sheets and activities at linktr.ee/GSSCBeachWalk.
BHS Class of 2025 Fundraiser: Monday, September 16, Westside Pizza, 1733 H Street #200. Mention “BHS fundraiser” when ordering and 25 percent of sales will benefit the safe and sober grad night event.
Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, September 18, 4–5:30 p.m.,
Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. September title: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See.
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Thursday, September 19, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Birch Bay State Park bp Heron Center. Speakers: Pam Brady of bp Cherry Point Refinery. Info and RSVP: birchbaychamber.com.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/3326350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Plover ferry issued no-sail order
B y G race M c c arthy
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a no-sail order for the Plover ferry after rotting wood was found in the boat when a piece of the stern detached during training exercises August 25.
The U.S. Coast Guard issued the order after inspecting the stern August 28, according to a city of Blaine news release.
“We recognize that this temporary suspension may cause
inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding,” the city wrote.
“Our top priority is ensuring the safety and reliability of the Plover ferry.”
The no-sail order comes after the Plover was out of the water for nearly two years of repair work. The Plover captains were conducting training exercises before resuming service again, which had been expected to begin August 24.
Blaine Arts Council to hold First Friday Downtown Art Walk on September 6
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Blaine Arts Council is continuing its new First Friday Downtown Art Walk 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, September 6.
Art walk attendees are encouraged to start at the Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive, where the council will commemorate the new artists whose work will be on display in the gallery during September. Drayton Harbor Oyster
Company is slated to grill oysters in the gallery parking lot.
Artists on display in the gallery for September are Deb Dole, Doug Parent, Gary Theriault, Georgia Donovan, Herb Rigberg, Jennifer Korn and Linda Galle. Artists who will be selling their work in the gift shop are Dana Hayden, Deb Dole, Deb Freeman, Christy Schroeder-Lloyd, Georgia Donovan, Jennifer Korn, Kay Dee Powell, Lyn Rackley and Scott Smith.
The businesses participating in the art walk include Aloha Café, Blaine Bouquets, Blind Bird Art Studio in suite B at 264 H Street, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, L&L Bakery, Living Pantry, Black Forest Steakhouse, Peace Arch City Café and The Vault.
The arts council held its inaugural art walk on August 2 and plans to hold the monthly art walk for the public during the first Friday of every month.
Blaine emergency group to hold life-saving demonstrations
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The newly formed Blaine Emergency Response Team (BERT) will hold a meeting for the public 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, September 10 at Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street.
The group will demonstrate providing first aid techniques, moving an injured person, putting out a fire, and creating a gobag packed with survival supplies in the case of a rapid evacuation. BERT members who have received FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) training will provide the demonstrations.
Event organizer Cataline Harkleroad said BERT was formed within the past two years and has
about 25 members.
“We’re trying to let the community know who we are, and let them know how they can take care of themselves and their neighbors,” Harkleroad said.
Attendees do not need to register, and the meeting is open to people living outside of Blaine city limits. The meeting will also provide people the opportunity to sign up for CERT training in Bellingham.
CERT members are trained to help others in an emergency when first responders are unavailable.
Blaine police chief Rodger Funk and North Whatcom Fire and Rescue chief Jason Van Der Veen have been invited to attend the meeting.
Harkleroad said the group will
Whatcom Grooves concert rescheduled to September 7
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Whatcom Grooves will be held outside of Blaine Public Library on Saturday, September 7 after being rescheduled from its original mid-August date. The free concert will take place 7-8 p.m. at the library, 610 3rd Street.
Mary Vermillion, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) community relations manager, said the August event was canceled because of an ill band member.
The event is part of a summer concert series featuring the Jerry Steinhilber Trio, a local northwest jazz group.
Registration is required at the WCLS website, bit.ly/47gx3XN.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to listen to the band perform jazz classics and original pieces.
The Whatcom Grooves Summer Jazz Series is supported by the Whatcom County Library Foundation, with the concert made free by the Jazz Center of Bellingham and the Jerry Steinhilber Trio. Donations to support local libraries will be accepted at the event.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the Whatcom County Library System website or call 360/305-3637.
have future meetings and wants more involvement from medical professionals who may be able to give them feedback.
BERT encourages new volunteers and people interested in joining can contact Cataline Harkleroad at catynwine@gmail.com or 925/997-0928.
City manager Mike Harmon could not be reached for additional information.
