Oyster Fest, Harbor Harvest Festival set for October 12
B y G race M c c arthy
A celebration of all the harvest Blaine brings, from oysters to pumpkins, will take over downtown Saturday, October 12 with a mashup of two festivals, Blaine Oyster Fest and the Harbor Harvest Festival.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (DHO) will host the third annual Oyster Fest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its restaurant, 685 Peace Portal Drive, and H Street Plaza. DHO will sell oysters, a seafood boil, shrimp tacos and other seafood specialties. To avoid lines, food and drink tickets can be purchased at the restaurant starting at 8 a.m. Oyster Fest will have a shucking contest, ‘oysteregg’ hunt and other activities. Live music will be performed by Doug Allen and Friends, Monk Slippers Jazz Quartet and The Penny Stinkers.
The Harbor Harvest Festival will be held next to DHO along Peace Portal Drive, H Street and G Street Plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment will include a street fair with over 60 vendors, paella from Paellaworks on G Street Plaza, a beer garden, and youth activities that include face painting, chalk and cornhole. The music set list includes Michael Dayvid, DJ Michael, and Shannon Patiño and the Late Night Cravings.
Christ Episcopal Church will have a celebration of its garden’s harvest at 382 Boblett Street. The church will have carrots to harvest, youth games, live music, a quilt raffle and free carrot cake. The first 150 people will receive a pumpkin and flowers will be given out while supplies last.
The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 shuttle will provide free rides between downtown and the church.
The Blaine Chamber of Commerce is organizing the Harbor Harvest Festival in partnership with the city of Blaine, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and Christ Episcopal Church.
The Blaine Arts Council will have a station at its gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive, for people to make free oyster shell ornaments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on the festivals, visit blainebythesea.com.
Five candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for a vacant Blaine City Council position representing east Blaine, southeast and part of central Blaine.
The city of Blaine received the five applications from Michael Ashby, Juliana Kenny, Eric Lewis, Martha Menard and Jiggy Sorrell to fill the Ward 1 Position 2 seat. The seat was left vacant in August by former city council member Kerena Higgins after she moved out of the ward.
Blaine City Council is anticipated to interview candidates during a study session before its regular meeting on Monday, October 14, deputy city manager Samuel Crawford wrote in an email to The Northern Light. All of the candidates fulfill the re-
quirements to serve, Crawford said, such as having lived in Blaine for at least a year and being registered voters.
Michael Ashby retired from a 32-year career in law enforcement where he last served as chief of police for Nooksack Tribal Police Department, according to his application. Ashby currently works as an investigator for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. He is chairman of Industrial Credit Union’s board of directors.
Juliana Kenny owns a copywriting and brand strategy business and has 14 year of experience managing staff at marketing companies, according to her application. Since moving to Blaine in 2021, Kenny said she’s been invested in the city’s growth
(See Applicants, page 13)
Photo by
Lauman
NEXUS fees up 140 percent as other Trusted Traveler Programs fees increase
People looking for a fast-pass to cross the U.S. border now need to pay a higher application fee for most programs within the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), which increased for the first time in over 15 years on October 1.
The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) announced in April it would create a uniform $120
fee for NEXUS, Global Entry and the SENTRI programs to “better reflect program costs” as they have grown, according to the CBP announcement.
NEXUS fees increased 140 percent from $50 to $120, Global Entry fees increased 20 percent from $100 to $120, and SENTRI increased from an “a la carte”
structure to $120.
Applicants under 18 years old will not need to pay an applica tion fee when a parent or legal guardian is also applying for, or already a member of, NEXUS, SENTRI or Global Entry.
Travelers must undergo back ground checks and an in-person in terview to be pre-approved for TTP.
City of Blaine accepting applications for planning commission and BTAC
The city of Blaine is looking for local residents to fill vacancies on the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) and Blaine Planning Commission.
Applications need to be sub mitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, No vember 1, though applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Interviews are expect ed to occur at a November Blaine City Council meeting.
Three Blaine Planning Com mission positions are either open or will be vacant after December 31. Commissioner James Bring,
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
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Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
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Contributors In This Issue
Sandhya Gelou, Jonathan Jakobitz, Eric Lucas, Celine Mauger
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 18
Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
s Members of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire of Canada
gather at a bench in the Peace Arch Park on September 10.
IODE members in B.C. dedicated two park benches in
president Margaret Clark. The nonprofits also planted three English red oak trees in the park to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum
Two new benches in Peace Arch Park OpiniOn Letters
The Editor: I am the mother of two Blaine Middle School students and a homeowner. I support a “yes” vote on the Blaine school district bond.
I’ve seen firsthand how the current middle school can’t meet the demands for today’s students, let alone the needs of future students. The building is nearly 70 years old. The hallways are narrow and poorly lit. The number of hallways and exits and entrances make monitoring student behaviors difficult and create safety concerns. Last winter, my child’s class had to move classrooms because the room wasn’t being heated properly and it was too cold to have students there.
This replacement bond will not raise taxes. It will be renewed at the same rate, the lowest in Whatcom County. This bond will allow for building a new middle school, upgrades to the Performing Arts Center, a new covered play area for the elementary school and improvements to
Pipeline Fields.
For me, this bond isn’t just about my kids. It’s about building better opportunities for all Birch Bay and Blaine kids. This bond is a positive investment in our community. All it takes is a “yes” vote on this bond.
Jennifer Hill Blaine
The Editor:
I am writing to urge voters to support the upcoming school bond initiative. The proposed bond will address the pressing need for a new middle school building, providing a safe and more conducive environment for our students. The current facility, which is over 70 years old, requires urgent attention, and the bond will allow us to prioritize the design and construction of a new, modern building. Furthermore, it’s important to highlight the broader community benefits that will result from this initiative. In addition to the middle school improvements, the
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.
bond will also contribute to the enhancement of the Performing Arts Center stage and playground area, ultimately serving the interests of the entire community. It’s crucial to note that the approval of the initiative will not lead to an increase in taxes. In fact, our school district currently maintains the lowest tax rate in the county. I want to emphasize that the funds allocated through this bond are entirely separate from those designated for staffing and salaries, which are matters to be addressed at the state level. The passage of this bond will not impact staffing or salaries in any way.
I ask you to consider the long-term benefits that this bond will bring to our community and our students. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Chris Marxen Blaine
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.
(IODE) with Peace Arch Historical State Park ranger Rick Blank
Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) members in Washington state and
memory of Queen Elizabeth II and longtime DBE
Jubilee in 2022.
Photo courtesy Kathy Boyd
Tsunami sirens to sound emergency drill on October 17
Resources
• Washington State Emergency Management Division’s “Prepare in a Year” guide instructs people how to take one step a month for a year to help Washington residents prepare for disaster. The guide is available at mil.wa.gov/personal.
• For evacuation maps and other tsunami resources, visit mil.wa.gov/tsunami-resources.
• To sign up for emergency alerts, visit mil.wa.gov/alerts.
• The state emergency division has natural hazards preparedness activities for children through games, videos, comics and more. To download the activities, visit mil. wa.gov/activities.
• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training educates people on disaster preparedness and response, so they can help their community when first responders are unable to immediately help. The basic training course, which costs $50, is 24 hours of instruction split between eight sessions. For more information, email Whatcom County CERT volunteer program manager Doug Bestle at dbestle@ co.whatcom.wa.us.
Vacancies ...
From page 3
Community Development Services director Alex Wenger said.
The three positions are full terms ending December 31, 2028. Planning commission meets at 6:30 p.m. during the second Thursday of each month for about 1.5 hours.
The following BTAC positions are open:
The Great Washington ShakeOut, an annual emergency preparedness drill, will take place across Whatcom County at 10:17 a.m. Thursday, October 17.
As part of the drill, tsunami sirens in Whatcom County and across the state will be activated at 10:17 a.m. There are 13 sirens in the county, including in Blaine and Birch Bay.
The sirens will make the official tsunami wailing noise that is different from the Westminster Chimes played during the first Monday of every month, said Amy Cloud, the public information officer for Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office’s Division of Emergency Management.
At 10:17 a.m. Washington residents are also encouraged to drop, cover and hold as an earthquake drill.
People who have the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning app on their phones will receive a test, NOAA Weather Radios will sound, and some local jurisdictions will test their reverse 911 and opt-in text alerts, according to a press release from the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD). The Emergency Alert System will not be tested on the radio or TV, and the Wireless Emergency Alert test system also won’t sound.
The Great Washington ShakeOut is part of International Shake-
• Citizen at-large – Partial term ending December 31, 2025
• Blaine Chamber of Commerce representative – Partial term ending December 31, 2027
• Large hotel representative – Full term ending December 31, 2028
BTAC meets for about two hours one Tuesday morning per month.
To apply, visit the city’s website at bit.ly/3BqVExe. Blaine City Code does not allow someone to serve on multiple board or commission positions at the same time.
CITY OF BLAINE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BLAINE CITY COUNCIL
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for the 2025 revenue sources and proposed Property Tax Levy is scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2024, at 6:00pm in the City Council Chambers, Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. City Council meeting agendas are published the Friday before the City Council meeting.
All interested individuals are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding the proposed property tax levy. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30pm on October 28, 2024, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.
For further information on the property tax levy or 2025 budget, please contact the Finance Department, 360-332-8311.
Out Day, when people across the world participate in earthquake drills. The event allows people near coastal areas to practice tsunami evacuation routes.
WEMD will answer earthquake-related questions on its Facebook page about 10 a.m. October 17. Questions can be emailed to public.education@mil. wa.gov and the responses can be viewed at bit.ly/3NhfeyI.
In the event of a tsunami, people should move inland or to high ground after they feel a strong earthquake, see a sudden rise or fall of the ocean or hear a loud roar from the ocean, according to the WEMD. A tsunami may come before an official warning, such as a tsunami siren, which would sound for over an hour.
According to ShakeOut.org, over one million people in Washington state and over 51.4 million worldwide are participating in this year’s ShakeOut.
Birch Bay author to hold Village Books event
s Mike Rostron. Courtesy photo s “Fjord Land.” Courtesy photo
Village Books Bellingham is hosting an event to celebrate the release of Birch Bay author Mike Rostron’s book, “Fjord Land” 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17. “Fjord Land” is a sequel to Rostron’s previous fictional books “Cape Decision” and “The Kabul Conscript.” In the latest book, the main character, intelligence agent Conrad Slocum, investigates a murder and terrorist threat to cruise ships in Alaska. At the same time, Slocum’s colleague in the investigation suspects Slocum of killing two men as vengeance for his son’s death.
ANNUAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BLAINE!
The City of Blaine is excited to announce openings for dedicated community members to volunteer on our commissions, boards, and committees. This is your chance to make a difference and contribute to the vibrant future of our city.
Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee
Meeting Schedule: One Tuesday morning per month, approximately two hours.
Open Positions:
• Citizen At Large – Partial term ending December 31, 2025
• Large Hotel Representative – Full term ending December 31, 2028
• Blaine Chamber of Commerce Representative – Partial term ending December 31, 2027
Planning Commission
Meeting Schedule: Second Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM, approximately one and a half hours.
Open Positions: Three positions, full terms ending December 31, 2028
How to Apply:
Applications and Descriptions: Available at https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/567/Board-Commission-Applications.
First Review Deadline: Submit your application by 4:30 PM on Friday, November 1, 2024. Applications will be accepted until vacancies are filled.
Interviews: Anticipated to occur at one of the regular City Council meetings in November.
Tickets cost $5. To reserve a spot, visit the Village Books website at bit.ly/4dswPOZ.
The past week was a mixed bag for Blaine High School sports.
Coming into a huge game against Lynden Christian, at home, after starting the season 4-0 and earning a 1A state ranking – which also neatly functions as a giant target on the team’s back – Blaine football lost 28-7 and dropped its first conference game of the season.
Meanwhile, both girls soccer and volleyball took care of business against Mt. Baker and earned dearly-needed, bounce-back wins after brief losing skids. Rounding things out, cross-country has kept chugging along, performing well in massive invitational meets across the state.
Football
The Borderites weren’t able to keep its undefeated start to the season alive against Northwest Conference (NWC) rival Lynden Christian (LC) at home on October 4, losing 28-7 and dropping to 4-1 (0-1 NWC).
The Borderites, on multiple occasions, drove the ball cleanly and efficiently down the field against a talented LC defense, only to be held up in the red zone without any points to show for, most notably via two red zone interceptions committed in the first half.
Head coach Andy Olson said he knows this team can compete physically with anybody in the always-tough NWC, but that the Borderites weren’t mentally prepared on Friday night.
“Ultimately what did us in, and I feel strongly about this, is our mental toughness,” Olson said. “Learning how to handle adversity and being able to move on to the next play, LC did a better job than we did.”
Despite Blaine outgaining its opponents in both passing (145
to 87) and rushing yards (224 to 162), Blaine was only able to muster a single second-half score – albeit on a pretty touchdown connection from senior Colin Davis to Blake Koreski that cut the score to 21-7.
But Lynden Christian was able to capitalize off of its offensive opportunities, while the Borderites kept letting chances slip by.
Throughout the second half, the Lyncs were able to run between the tackles efficiently and gash the Borderites’ interior defense with the rushing attack. Olson said the defense was primarily concerned with getting beat by long passes to Lynden Christian’s skillful perimeter players,
and thus left the middle of the defense more susceptible to big rushing plays.
The defense allowed only four scores to the Lyncs, and gave the offense ample chances to keep the game close, but penalties and turnovers deep in enemy territory were the difference in the game.
“When you’re playing a really good team, you can’t beat yourself, because the opponent’s hard enough as it is,” Olson said. “That’s part of the growing process of building a program - understanding that we can take confidence in the work we put in, but we also have to be confident in our ability to respond when bad things happen.”
A big response from Blaine will be surely needed against NWC powerhouse Nooksack Valley on Friday, October 11.
Olson said the team will be focused on stopping running back Colton Lentz, who will go on to play division one football at Uni-
versity of Montana, and defensive lineman Brady Ackerman, who has committed to play at Eastern Washington University.
“We’re going to play against teams that have very talented individuals, but we have to try and be the better team,” Olson said. “That’s where that mental toughness, this ability to pick each other up is going to come into play. Can us 11 be a better team than Nooksack?”
Volleyball
The Blaine volleyball team earned a needed conference win against Mt. Baker on October 8, winning in straight sets, 25-20, 25-15, 26-24. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Borderites before the team comes home to face Burlington-Edison on Thursday, October 10 and Anacortes on Tuesday, October 15.
Multiple Blaine players showed out on offense, led by senior outside hitter Kaitlyn Harrington who shined with 11 kills and four
aces offensively, along with nine digs. Sophomore Teia Dube nearly earned a double-double, posting nine kills and 10 digs, while junior Carly Saunders also earned nine kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Senior Brie Smith led the team in assists with 23 on the day, along with four service aces, and junior Hannah Phelps-McDonald had 10 digs.
It was a huge turnaround for the Borderites, and surely a confidence booster for Blaine to defeat Mt. Baker, one of two winless teams in the conference.
The win brings Blaine’s record to 2-8 (1-7 NWC) with seven games remaining in the regular season. Luckily for the Borderites, it will host four of its next five games, as the team hopes to make a late season surge up the conference standings.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
(Continued on next page)
s Lynden Christian senior running back Hollis Owen runs past a group of Blaine defenders during Blaine’s 28-7 loss at home on October 4. The loss ended one of Blaine’s longest undefeated starts to a season.
Photo by Nolan Baker
s Senior running back Colby Shipp runs past Lynden Christian defenders after catching a pass in the fourth quarter of Blaine’s 28-7 loss on October 4. Shipp caught two passes for 49 yards.
Photo by Nolan Baker
(Continued from previous page)
Girls soccer
Similar to how volleyball rightfully beat an underperforming Mt. Baker team, girls soccer beat Mt. Baker 2-1 on October 8, bringing Blaine’s season record to a middling 4-6-0 (3-6-0 NWC). The win puts the Borderites just barely above Meridian (3-6-1, 2-6-1 NWC) in the 1A conference standings, but firmly below first-place Lynden Christian (7-40, 5-4-0 NWC).
All 1A teams will make the district playoffs in late October, but conference standings will determine seeding, and the first place team will earn a first-round bye in the tough, double-elimination postseason tournament.
In the win against Mt. Baker, the Mountaineers opened up the scoring in the 18th minute with a goal from Abby Washburn, but the Borderites were able to respond with a goal of its own just six minutes later when Nevaeh Zaddack scored on a long distance shot. The Borderites led 1-1 going into halftime.
With 10 minutes remaining, junior Bea Dickson scored on a
wild clearance by the Mt. Baker defense, and the Borderites were able to hold on thanks to multiple clutch saves from senior goalkeeper Larissa Pluschakov.
Blaine snapped a three-game losing streak with the win, and – with just six regular season games remaining – will look to start the team’s first winning streak of the season with a home game against Burlington-Edison on Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. before traveling to face Mt. Vernon on Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m.
The Borderites will finish the regular season with a pair of home games on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. against Ferndale, then Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. against Bellingham. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Cross-country
Blaine cross-country had a busy first week of October, with a NWC meet against Mt. Vernon and Burlington-Edison on October 2, then the Twilight Invitational, a 5,000-meter, nighttime course at Cedarcrest Golf Course on October 5.
In Burlington on October 2,
spOrts
the Borderites competed in a 5,000-meter race, finishing in third place out of the three NWC teams competing, with a team score of 69.
Senior Tucker Greene led all times for the Borderites with a time of 19:44, achieving a 13th place overall finish. Greene was followed closely behind by Steven Phelps-McDonald in 14th with a time of 19:51, Ian Tuski in 16th with a 20:06 time, and Verdaan
Aujla in 17th with a time of 20:13.
All told, Blaine ran a dozen athletes out against its NWC rivals, and all but one finished with a sub-30 minute time.
On October 5, Blaine raced among dozens of teams with thousands of individual runners, and placed consistently in the middle of the pack as a team. In the JV freshman and sophomore race, Blaine sophomore Steven Phelps-McDonald
led the Borderites with a time of 19:26, placing 115th in a field of 544 runners.
In the JV junior and senior race, Tucker Greene led the way for the Borderites with a time of 19:38, finishing 125th among 452 athletes.
The Borderites’ next meet will be the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational, a 5,000-meter race at Lakewood High School on Saturday, October 12.
s From top; senior Colin Davis, c., prepares to snap the ball on October
4. Junior Kai Kerwin awaits instructions from his coaches.
Photos by Nolan Baker
A guide for exploring mountain larches this fall
They look ever so much like candles at dusk, the larches that decorate the high country of the Pacific Northwest in autumn. And, as candles do, they light up and burn out in finite periods, making their season just a couple months at most. Luckily, it’s mid-September to early November, perhaps the finest six weeks in the high country.
That’s where I most memorably encountered these magnificent trees, in a remote wilderness timberline lake basin in British Columbia just above the U.S. border. We were at about 7,000 feet, camped beneath 9,000-foot pinnacles, my wilderness buddy David and me. Aside from scraggly alpine firs, the only trees were larches – and what amazing trees they were in this rocky, rugged environment.
Lean, shapely spires that seemed like dancers ready to twirl, they evinced grace and elegance in every way. It was late September, winter lurked behind the ridgelines above, and the larches had just donned the butterscotch hue their needles adopt before dropping in October or November. They are the only deciduous conifer that sport a color change in autumn – thus comprising almost the entire fall finery fling in the Northwest high country, save random blueberry patches.
Larches are good for other things than visual admiration, too. One had come down years ago in a winter storm about 20 yards from camp, and it proved to be the best timberline wood ever for the evening fire over which we grilled the golden trout we’d caught that day.
I mentioned this to David as dusk dropped and we were mesmerized by the clear topaz flames.
“Maybe you should pack some
up to take home,” he suggested. Well, no. Our journey here had been nine miles up and down steep sawback ridges with huge, mind-twisting exposure, and some experiences are best left to savor right where you find them. Thus, my fond regard for larches, which are neither numerous nor as conspicuously flamboyant as the famous autumn-color trees of the East Coast. Drive the Maine shore in early October and your eyes may literally wince at the shocking vermilion and tangerine colors of the maples and other deciduous trees standing almost everywhere, like on township streets just down the road from Walmart. No such ubiquity attends to western larches, our trees, but their relative rarity helps make them all the more memorable.
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Of our two species, western and alpine, more people are familiar with the first, which is found from about 2,000 feet up past 5,000. Alpine larches, the kind we admired in B.C., take over above their larger and more common cousins up to timberline.
Both trees sport a marvelous palette for months.
In spring, they seem almost painterly in soft emerald foliage as their needles emerge and lengthen. Through summer, larches are a brighter viridescent green than the pines and firs they share the mountains with, and in autumn the saffron glow of their dying, soon-shed needles stands out distinctly within the surrounding forests. A mid-elevation pine/fir forest with larches
sprinkled throughout is one of America’s most distinctive autumn landscape sights, tall butterscotch beacons shining out like lighthouse beams.
They are shapely trees, too; tall and narrow like obelisks in the woods. Inveterate tree-gawkers such as me can often pick them out from a near distance simply by their statuesque form. They are the Audrey Hepburns of intermountain woodlands, except for a few grandfather trees in favorable sites that reach 200 feet in height and may be 5 feet in diameter. Larch wood is denser and stronger than most other Northwest mountain trees, and makes superb lumber and firewood. The trees are more fire-resistant than their neighboring lodgepole pines and subalpine firs.
All the above virtues describe alpine larch, at reduced scale, with the added bonus that some older trees are multi-trunked, high mountain kings whose crowns have spread out a bit into sprays of feathery foliage.
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Both types are among the very few conifers that shed their needles each fall, and in winter their leafless forms may look dead until you carefully study the lively, thin bark whose amber hue signifies years – decades – ahead and behind. Some Montana larches are a half-millennium old.
They are thus exceptional trees all around, and their character marks them as our own special autumn treasure. Yes, vine maples, black cottonwoods, rainforest dogwoods and dryland aspens all color up too. But only larches stand out amid the coniferous woodlands that occupy so much of the Northwest’s mountains. And in the high country, it’s just larches, period.
“Those who have come to know it [alpine larch] will long remember how its golden color highlights the high country at the close of summer,” wrote Stephen F. Arno in his definitive Northwest Trees guide, “how old lumpy larch limbs crackle in a mountain campfire, and how a soft breeze stirs the wispy boughs overhead, setting them in motion across a background of starlight.”
I’ve never been back to that awesome timberline lake in B.C., but I have ever since kept my eyes open for larches wherever I go in the Northwest, a geographic term that almost exactly matches the distribution of alpine larches. In times like these, to borrow a phrase from Dave Grohl, “exclusive” is a word so digitally deflated that it’s almost nonsense. It’s a vast universe; few things are actually exclusive.
But if you want to trek to a high-country basin and make camp amid the most wonderful alpine trees of all, you cannot do that east of the Mississippi, nor even east of the Continental Divide. You can’t even do it south of the Snake River. Western larches are more numerous, but still mostly trees of the coastal and inland Northwest. These are our trees, in other words. I spent the first 20 years of my outdoor life in the West traipsing the Colorado and New Mexico high country in the September time I favor – marvelous landscapes, but no shining butterscotch larches.
Almost any hike near timberline in the high country of the North Cascades, Selkirks and mountains of extreme southern B.C. will bring you to alpine larch territory. Cathedral Provincial Park, the Pasayten Wilderness and Glacier Peak Wilderness all hold these awesome trees, mostly on the east side of the Cascade divide. Cascade Pass is one such hike.
But you need not throw pack on back to spy western larches, which are easy to see on many highway passes through the Cascade Range, including the North Cascades Highway, Stevens Pass, Satus Pass and Blewett Pass. Look for golden candles in the dark autumn woods, and treasure this unique, exclusive homegrown marvel of Northwest nature.
Eric Lucas lives on a small farm on San Juan Island, where he grows organic hay, beans, corn, squash and apples.
This article was first published in Mount Baker Experience, a quarterly outdoor magazine from Point Roberts Press, which publishes The Northern Light.
s A hiker explores larches in North Cascades National Park in 2023.
Photo by Radka Chapin
Health & Wellness
Healthy choices for the holidays: It’s a family affair
B y s a N dhya G elou , M d
Fall, in all of its glory, is here. Harvests are coming in, kids are scrambling to pick out the best pumpkins for carving, folks are wearing flannel, taking hayrides and getting lost in corn mazes. Soon, the holiday season will be in full swing.
It is a joyous time for gatherings of family and friends, including parties, dinners, restaurant meals and holiday cocktails. For those with diabetes, it can be a time of frustration that presents difficulties when trying to manage food choices.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Now is a good time to reflect on how to self-manage diabetes during the holidays.
Handling the challenges of the season starts with being realistic. You don’t have to be perfect. I like to use the 80/20 rule. Try to do your best 80 percent of the time. If you slip up, forgive yourself and reset. Doing this can reduce stress, which is important to your self-care.
Stress can affect diabetes management in multiple ways. Stress boosts hormone levels such as cortisol and adrenaline, impeding the effects of insulin and raising blood sugar. Stress can lead to overeating and can interfere with sleep. Lack of sleep makes your insulin less effective. Recognize when your
stress level rises and practice relaxing activities like mindfulness or meditation. Just five minutes can help you unwind.
Watch your carbohydrates and eat smaller portions. Desserts are typically high in carbohydrates so keep your serving small. Alternatively, don’t be shy about asking your host if you can have a “to-go” dessert to save for the next day if you’ve surpassed your carb limit.
You know certain foods can affect you, so plan accordingly to keep your glycemic levels safe and healthy. If you expect a carb-laden dinner, plan to eat a small, high-protein, low-fat lunch.
Often people skip a meal to “save up for the big one.” That’s not a good plan because it can lead to overindulging and not eating could interfere with your medications.
Physical activity helps you manage your blood sugar levels and also helps to keep your immune system strong. After a delicious meal, many families take a
leisurely walk in the fall splendor, the new-fallen snow or the Pacific Northwest drizzle.
Play in the leaves or the snow with your children or grandchildren. Or how about a game of flag football? Moving after a meal, even for only 10 minutes, can keep blood glucose levels stable and manageable.
Use time with family during the holidays to talk about diabetes risk. Knowing family history is key to understanding your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 97.6 million people aged 18 or older have prediabetes, which equals 38 percent of the adult U.S. population.
The good news is prediabetes can be reversed, preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes, so the tips mentioned here are useful for everyone, especially for people with a family risk for diabetes.
Unsure about your risk? Take a simple online prediabetes test
on the CDC’s website at bit. ly/3Ng8XTX. You can sign up for regular updates from the CDC about diabetes and prediabetes at bit.ly/4ey8Uio – it is a treasure trove of information.
The Bellingham YMCA offers CDC-modeled diabetes prevention classes with a proven track record. Contact Tara Marshall at tmarshall@whatcomymca.org or 360/255-0643.
Halloween marks the kickoff to the holidays and National Diabetes Awareness Month. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends, make the healthiest choices possible, and reap the rewards of feeling better now and into the new year.
Dr. Sandya Gelou is in private practice in Bellingham. She completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center, is a fellowship-trained diabetologist, a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Mount Baker Foundation board of directors member.
Recreational opportunities abundant this fall in Blaine, Birch Bay
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Blaine and Birch Bay transform into vibrant locales filled with autumnal charm and a variety of recreational activities. From pumpkin patches to cozy indoor gatherings, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall. With autumn’s vibrant colors filling the landscape, local farms welcome visitors eager to dive into the season’s activities. Apple picking has become a beloved pastime, with families heading to orchards to gather fresh fruit and savor the flavors of fall. At the same time, pumpkin patches provide the ideal backdrop for fall photos and festive fun. Home Farm on Kickerville Road in Birch Bay features a pumpkin patch and fall farm store, along with a corn maze, tractor train rides, face painting and more.
Highlighting community spirit, Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Birch Bay Fall Fes-
tival on October 5 united families for a day of celebration, featuring local vendors, crafts and entertainment. Similarly, the Blaine Chamber of Commerce’s Harbor Harvest Fall Festival in Blaine on Saturday, October 12 will offer a weekend packed with live music, tasty food and activities for all ages. We also love seeing local businesses deco-
rate their windows and shops with spooky and autumn-themed displays. A standout this year is Hill’s Chevron in downtown Blaine, featuring a giant skeleton on the side of the building and the famous Yeti statue dressed as Beetlejuice next door.
Halloween festivities are also in full swing, with the popular “Trick or Treat on the Berm” event set for Saturday, October 26 in Birch Bay. This tradition invites families to stroll by the bay, collecting treats offered by businesses and organizations lined along the berm while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Attendees can also enjoy Halloween-themed games and a costume contest hosted by BBBPRD2 at the future Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive.
For those looking to enjoy a cozy evening indoors, visit the Birch Bay Activity Center for fall-themed events that celebrate the season. On Friday, October 11, people can join the Spooky Painting event, where creativity
blends with autumn vibes, and on Saturday, October 19, enjoy a free, family movie night featuring a Halloween blockbuster. Additionally, don’t miss Blaine Community Theater’s performances of “Halloween Graveyard” on Saturday, October 19, Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive.
Whether you are exploring pumpkin patches, attending fall festivals or enjoying indoor activities, Blaine and Birch Bay offer plenty of opportunities to savor fall. Embrace the season, and make the most of these delightful autumn days.
Celine Mauger is the activity coordinator at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
B y c eli N e M au G er
s Children receive candy in front of the future Birch Bay Vogt Library Express during Trick-or-Treat on the Berm in 2023. Photo courtesy Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2
s Dr. Sandhya Gelou. File photo
Ryan Willis, ARNP
Ashley Harmon, ARNP
Athlete - Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis
Brenda was a four-year letter recipient in volleyball, basketball and tennis. She was first team All-WCL in volleyball her senior year and first team All-WCL three years in basketball. In basketball, she helped lead the teams to two state appearances. Her freshman year was the school’s first ever state trip for the girls. Her senior year, they placed eighth, which was the girls’ first trophy. When she completed her career she was the school’s leading scorer with 1260 points. In tennis she was a three-time state participant in doubles and won medals in two of them. She was Blaine’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1996.
Gale served as a head coach at BHS for both basketball and baseball during the ’50s. As the coach for basketball, he led the teams to two state tournaments. Gale’s teams were always competitive and won several league titles during his tenure. Gale had enjoyed much success in both sports as he had played both professionally in the two sports. He was a Nooksack Valley High School grad and went to Washington State University and played basketball for the Cougars. There he set several scoring records before going into the service. He played three years professionally before a medical problem prevented him from continuing.
Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony
Saturday, October 12 • 1 pm • Blaine Performing Arts Center BlaineAthleticBoosterClub.com
Mario was noted for being an elusive running back. He set numerous football records at BHS which included total rushing yards (6118 yards) and scoring leader (490 yards). At the time of his graduation he held the state’s fifth and sixth positions for leading rush yards for a season. He also held the fifth position for leading rush yards for a career in the state. After graduating, he went on the play football for four years at Montana State University - Northern. There he was a 2016 NAIA Football Scholar Athlete.
Dodd Family Contributor
Blaine has been honored to have a family that has had such an impact on our schools. It started with Clarence Dodd who coached Blaine’s first state basketball team in 1929 to a fifth place trophy. From there, his children, grandchildren and other family members have played for, rooted for, supported financially, and also coached our teams. Many have put in countless hours in our booster club, either helping with fundraising or assisting on projects to improve our facilities. Whenever our school needed help they have been there and will continue to do so.
Mike was noted for his outstanding skills in wrestling. He lettered all four years. He placed three years at state, including a state championship in 2000 at the 103 pound weight class. For his efforts he was chosen as a first team All-American at the 103 pound weight class! He is one of only four BHS athletes to achieve this recognition. Mike then went on to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he wrestled for 2 ½ years before returning to Washington.
Jerry Wolten Contributor
Jerry was a true booster. He was a member of the booster club and served several years as its president. He served as a volunteer on the football chain gang, serving many of those years as the head of that group. He coached several years in the Blaine youth program, most notably in baseball, which was his favorite sport. Jerry was also a football and baseball official for many years. He was owner of the Coast to Coast hardware store here in Blaine. Jerry loved to go to all Blaine events and support our youth. Although he has passed on, his impact on our school lives on forever.
Football, Basketball, Baseball Brad was a very versatile athlete as he played and lettered in three sports. He was so talented that he earned All-State honors in both football and baseball his senior year. He was noted for his tough defense and running in football. He set numerous BHS records and won numerous awards. In basketball he was a key figure in helping BHS to its first and second state championships (’99, ’00). As a baseball player he helped the team to a fourth place trophy (’98). He also led the team in hitting (.448 ave.) his senior year. Brad went to Green River Community College where he played more baseball.
Gary McGee 1952
Distinguished Honoree
Gary was a three sport letterman, three each in Football and Baseball and two in Basketball. He helped lead the Basketball team to a state appearance in his senior year (’52). This was Blaine’s first appearance since 1939. In Football he was awarded the KVOS All-County End by the Whatcom County Coaches poll his junior year. His senior year he was voted to the All-County Team and was voted captain of his team. He was also named Co-Athlete of the Year for BHS (’52). After graduating he served in the Army during the Korean War. He returned to Blaine where he was a commercial fisherman for over 40 years
Mario Gobbato 2013 Football
Brenda Dodd 1996
Mike Magnusson 2000 Wrestling
Gale Bishop Coach
Brad Scheib 2000
CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: CLAUDE LUVERNE DILLY, Deceased. No. 24-4-00854-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson
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 25, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: October 3, 2024
Name of Personal Representative: KAREN BADE (AKA KAREN PORTER AKA KAREN ACKELSON)
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 25, 2024. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. www.averyelderlaw.com
11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Rep resentative or the Personal Representa tive’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: October 2, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: October 10, 2024
Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL
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: October 2, 2024. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL
turn it into an unbelievable VRBO.
Blaine book club review: “Everyone in This Room Will Someday be Dead”
“Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead,” by Emily R. Austin opens a window on a uniquely Millennial/Gen Z experience.
Gilda, the story’s protagonist, is a 20-something neurodivergent queer atheist whose anxiety makes it hard for her to hold down a job and results in situational avoidance. For example, Gilda drives herself to the hospital with a broken arm after a rear-end accident, instead of facing the attention of calling an ambulance. She also drives around with a smashed car, rather than facing the challenges of filing an insurance claim.
Many of Gilda’s “quirks” or “eccentricities” may seem absurd or bizarre to some readers, but for others, her challenges of navigating life resonate strongly – this is the magic of fiction, in that Gilda’s story is a window into a real-life world foreign to some, yet uniquely and overwhelmingly familiar to others.
Over the course of the story, Gilda stumbles into a job as secretary for a Catholic church, despite being an atheist with no knowledge of Catholicism. She becomes enthralled by, and ultimately entwined in, the somewhat mysterious death of her predecessor at the church. The story is one of a fish out of water, as she strives to navigate life in a job that’s completely foreign and, at times, antithetical to her own.
Austin writes with wit, humor and dashes of ironic absurdity, as characters can feel like caricatures, but are also all too real. Despite the heaviness of Gilda’s tale, Austin crafts a story that is light, positive and ultimately hopeful.
“Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead” should appeal to readers of contemporary fiction, and anyone looking for a window into lived experiences that may be different from their own.
“Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead” is the October selection for the Books & Bites book group. Join Books & Bites at 1 p.m. Friday, October 18 at Blaine Public Library for a time of community and lively conversation. For more information, visit the WCLS website at bit.ly/3YoVC2d.
Jonathan Jakobitz is branch manager of Blaine Public Library.
OBITUARIES
William ‘Bill’ Ellsworth
March 9, 1963 – September 25, 2024
William ‘Bill’ Ellsworth, 61, of Birch Bay, WA passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 25, 2024, at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.
Bill was born in Portland and grew up in Pleasant Hill, OR. Before settling in the beautiful Skagit Valley in 1998 with Birdie and his step-daughters, he lived in Oregon and Florida. Before becoming disabled due to medical issues he worked as a landscaper, cook, and NDT Inspector.
Bill made his home at Thousand Trails RV Park and Sun Retreats for the past seven years.
Driving his truck to the state park to enjoy the view of the water, boats, and birds, and to ‘people-watch’ was one of his favorite things.
Bill was kind and helped everyone he could. He loved meeting new people at the RV parks and looked forward to visiting with them every day.
Bill’s companion for many years was his beloved black cocker spaniel, Honda. They were inseparable until Honda passed in December 2019.
Bill was loved by his large family in WA, OR, NJ, ID, and MT. He spent much of his time in Skagit County at birthday and holiday gatherings. Ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter will miss their ‘Papa Bill.’
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2550 Thornton Rd, Ferndale, WA.
William (Bill) Hunsinger
October 7, 1947 – August 19, 2024
Bill passed away August 19, 2024 in Blaine after a three year battle with cancer. He persevered with courage, strength, optimism and always with a smile or a joking comment.
Bill was born October 7,1947 in Cleveland, OH. Eventually moving to Dairy Valley, CA, graduating from Artisha High School in 1965. In 1980, started his own construction company WAHCO, INC which he ran successfully for 20 years with offices in Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho. In 2000 his company was acquired, but he continued consulting in telecommunications for 20 years.
Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years Cheryl; his four children, Trisha Lyons (Edward), Will Hunsinger Jr. (Brenda), Kelsey Hunsinger and Daniel Hunsinger; four grandchildren, JessaLynn and Colin Lyons, Jasper and Devin Hunsinger; brothers Brad, Tom (Bobbie) and George Hunsinger, sister and brother-in law Kathy and Tom Dry and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill’s daily routine involved walking through town stopping at the harbor, picking up a cup of coffee at Hill’s Chevron, then lunch at The Wheel House, Paso del Norte, Bob’s Burgers & Brew or Gateway 1890 and always up for a beer at Beach Cat. He loved Blaine and all the friends he made along the way. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life was held in Everett, WA.
Applicants ...
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while wanting to preserve its beauty and history.
Eric Lewis is a semi-retired electrician who has lived in Blaine since 2009. He is a member of Blaine Community Theater, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9474 in Custer and duty officer for the Red Cross. Lewis said he wanted to contribute to the development, beauty and stability of Blaine, and will consider all sides when voting.
Martha Menard founded Cascadia Financial Health, a consulting company providing financial education, this year and has a PhD in research, statistics and evaluation from the University of Virginia. She’s a member of Blaine Arts Council and Blaine Chamber of Commerce who wants to improve the commu-
nity through local government, according to her application.
Jiggy Sorrell is director of programs at Brilliant Planet, which is helping give 100 free bikes to children in Blaine and Birch Bay, and is a gas station attendant, according to his application. He said he is committed to addressing affordable housing, tourism, youth programs and economic development.
The Ward 1 Position 2 seat covers central, eastern and southeastern parts of the city, east of 6th Street and east of I-5 to city limits. The area includes the neighborhood directly north of Blaine school district, the neighborhoods around Lincoln Park and the IGA Market shopping plaza, all of east Blaine, and follows east of I-5 to where city limits end near O’Dell Street.
Council member Richard May also represents the city’s first ward.
s Blaine library branch manager
Jonathan Jakobitz. Courtesy photo
Evelyne Hendricks
sheriff’s repOrts
September 28, 2:32 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
September 28, 4:33 a.m.: Trespass on Mitchell Avenue.
September 28, 10:03 a.m.: Shots on Twilight Place.
September 29, 12:32 a.m.: Drugs on Seashell Way.
September 29, 12:21 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Semiahmoo Lane.
September 29, 1:31 p.m.: Shots on Boblett Road.
September 29, 1:52 p.m.: Death investigation on Harborview Road.
September 29, 3:57 p.m.: Domestic physical on Seashell Way.
September 29, 4:57 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Harborview Road.
September 29, 8:38 p.m.: Simple assault on Beachcomber Drive.
September 30, 1:49 p.m.: Fraud cold call on California Trail.
September 30, 9:26 p.m.: Suspicious person on Custer
School Road.
October 1, 12:05 a.m.: Trespass on Sehome Road.
October 1, 6:40 a.m.: Harassment arrest on Birch Bay Drive.
October 1, 8:29 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Valley View Road.
October 1, 10:20 a.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Beach -
comber Drive.
October 1, 12:27 p.m.: Animal problem on Ham Road.
October 1, 6:09 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
October 2, 5:47 p.m.: Hot rod on Pheasant Drive.
October 3, 10:39 a.m.: Shots on Bay Road.
pOLiCe repOrts
September 28, 2:43 a.m.:
Moving vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
September 28, 12:53 p.m.: Theft on H Street.
September 29, 10:55 a.m.: Hit and run on Cherry Street.
September 29, 3:13 p.m.: Threat on Martin Street.
September 29, 3:42 p.m.: Serve warrant on 2nd Street.
September 30, 6:17 p.m.: Threat on 10th Street.
September 30, 9:33 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
October 1, 1:57 p.m.: Theft
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Tall, upright post on a boat 5. Basics 9. Used to refer to cited works 11. Folds 13. Former UK PM May 15. Cold region of Russia 16. Standard operating procedure 17. Separating 19. Particles 21. A way to map out 22. Referee declares 23. Beginner 25. Water (Spanish) 26. Gov’t lawyers 27. Non-reproductive parts of an organism 29. Spanish friends 31. A type of tree 33. Walk heavily 34. About a wood
36. Free-swimming marine invertebrate
38. Political action committee
39. SB19 hit song
41. Scorch the surface of 43. Moved quickly on foot
44. Sacred state for
a Muslim 46. Growl 48. Pearl Jam frontman 52. Irritating person 53. Something requiring a solution 54. Firing 56. Hazards 57. Taiwan capital 58. Impudence 59. Rock frontman Durst DOWN 1. One who rides an elephant 2. Absence of bacteria 3. Soviet Socialist Republic 4. Men’s fashion accessories 5. “Honey” actress Jessica 6. Round red root vegetable 7. Latin term for “charity” 8. Doesn’t smell good 9. Mental health issue 10. Millisecond 11. Hairstyle 12. Edible starch 14. Middle Eastern military title
15. Protein-rich liquids 18. Indian musical pattern 20. Cancer and Capricorn 24. Country along the Arabian peninsula 26. A bend 28. Fishes of the herring family 30. Antelopes 32. Chaos 34. Popular music app 35. Cooking material 37. Musical instrument 38. San Diego ballplayers 40. Small amounts 42. Poured 43. Fabric 45. Food option 47. Finger millet 49. The U. of Miami mascot is one 50. Alberta, Canada river 51. Canadian flyers 55. Dry white wine drink
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Coming up
Winter Coat Distribution: Monday and Friday, October 14 and 18, 9 a.m.–noon; Wednesday, October 16, 5–7 p.m.; Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m.–noon. CAP Center, 508 G Street.
Bellingham Exit Music Festival: Thursday–Sunday, October 10–13, various venues in Bellingham. Multi-day, multi-stage, multi-sensory music and arts festival boasting four days of music & comedy, the art market, and in-venue art installations. Info: bellinghamexit.com.
What’s Next: Exploring Your Medicare and Healthcare Options: Friday, October 11, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Presented by the Blaine Senior Center and sponsored by Guided Solutions. Free and open to the public. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
on Bell Road.
October 2, 8:03 a.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
October 2, 8:39 a.m.: Fraud on F Street.
October 2, 6:02 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Adelia Street.
October 3, 12:28 p.m.: Missing person on H Street.
October 3, 2:16 p.m.: Animal problem on Semiahmoo Parkway.
October 4, 10:48 a.m.: Missing person on H Street.
October 4, 12:23 p.m.: Simple assault on H Street.
tides
October 10-16 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Birch Bay Community Clean Up: Saturday, October 12, 8:30 a.m.–noon. Clean up, painting, planting, landscaping. Meet at North Bay Community Church at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and work assignments. Volunteer lunch at noon. RSVP for lunch count: 360/820-4636 or davehiller.realtor@gmail.com.
Blaine’s Oyster Fest and Harbor Harvest Fest: Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., downtown Blaine. Grilled oysters, street fair, food vendors, Christ Episcopal’s Giving Garden, kid-friendly beer garden, live music, oyster shucking contest, kids activities and more. Info:blainebythesea.com.
Blaine Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Saturday, October 12, 1 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Introducing the 2024 inductees.
Winter Gardening: The Four Season Harvest: Wednesday, October 16, 5:30–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn what can be “wintered over” in your garden, the effects winter can have on your soil and how to best prepare for a healthy summer growing season. Plus learn about hoop houses and planting tables to help guide your seed buying for your winter shopping. Info: nwcore.org.
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Thursday, October 17, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Bay Breeze Restaurant, 7829 Birch Bay Drive. Speakers: Roland Middleton, special programs manager at Whatcom County Public Works and Amber Forest, park ranger at Birch Bay State Park. Info and RSVP: birchbaychamber.com.
Kids Booktober Party: Thursday, October 17, 3 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. A celebration of all things reading. Tell us about your favorite books and discover some new ones. Make crafts to decorate your home library. Comfy clothes are encouraged. Info: wcls.org.
Mt. Baker Volunteer Association Fundraiser: Thursday, October 17, 5 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. Join Mount Baker Experience magazine in supporting the crucial ski patrol members of Mt. Baker. Tickets and info: mtbakervolunteers.org.
Family Movie Night: Friday, October 18, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Free Halloween-themed, family-friendly movie and popcorn. Bring a chair or use a folding chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Garden to Bed and Digging Dahlias: Saturday, October 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. How to best create a healthy start for next year and minimize chores. Protecting your plants from winter and getting an early start on planting in the spring. Plus how to dig/divide your dahlias and/or protect them for “in the ground storage”. Info: nwcore.org.
Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, October 19, 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.
Texas Hold ‘Em Bounty Tournament: Sunday, October 20, 2:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Open to the public.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of September 30 to October 6, 0.5 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-to-date precipitation is 26.5 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 64.2°F on October 2 with a low of 35.1°F on October 3. Average high was 61.1°F and average low was 42.7°F.
Peace Builder Awards and Fundraiser: Friday, October 25, 5:30 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham. Plated dinner, silent auction and honoring incredible community efforts to create and promote peace, and sharing our impact. Tickets: $100 at whatcomdrc.org/peace-builder-awards. Benefits the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.
Not-Too-Spooky Story Time: Saturday, October 26, 3–3:30 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. A not-toospooky story time. Afterwards, play some games on the lawn or head out and Trick or Treat on the Berm. Info: wcls.org.
Monster Mashup Homemade Halloween Costume Contest: Saturday, October 26, 3:30–5:15 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Create your own costume, bring your origin story – just a few sentences as to how you came to be or to life – and show us your signature move as you walk down the runway. This contest is open to all ages. Info: wcls.org.
Trick or Treat on the Berm: Saturday, October 26, 3–5 p.m., Birch Bay berm between the library property and Terrell Creek. Kids trick or treat at different treat stops along the berm. Interested in hosting a treat stop? Visit birchbaychamber.com.
Black Dahlia Presentation: Sunday, October 27, 5–7 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th Street, Bellingham. Local author Steve Hodel will give a presentation followed by a Q&A on his investigation into the Black Dahlia and other murders in which his father is suspected. RSVP required. Info: villagebooks.com.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Mount Baker
Shellfish harvesting partially reopens in north Whatcom County
County health officials have partially lifted the molluscan shellfish biotoxin closure in north Whatcom County, allow-
ing shellfish harvesting with the exception of butter and varnish clams along beaches from Sandy Point to the U.S./Canada border.
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department announced the partial reopening in an October 7 press
release, stating that paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin levels dropped in shellfish in north Whatcom County, including west Lummi Island and Point Roberts.
Molluscan shellfish includes clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. Mussels and varnish clams typically have the highest toxin concentration, and butter clams and varnish clams often retain toxins longer, according to the county health department.
Shellfish in restaurants, such as Drayton Harbor Oyster Com-
pany, and markets are safe to eat because they have been tested.
Biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing, according to the health department.
The health department will continue to monitor biotoxins in molluscan shellfish and notify the public if levels become unsafe.
To see biotoxin and pollution closures, visit the Washington Shellfish Safety Map at bit.ly/ 3caFDiH or call the Washington State Department of Health biotoxin line at 800/562-5632.
