March 13 - 19, 2025
Tariff situation rapidly evolving, page 5
Granger accepts position at Sultan school district
B y N ola N B aker
The Blaine school district needs to start searching for a new superintendent.
The Sultan school district voted unanimously to accept Christopher Granger as its next superintendent during a March 6 special board meeting.
Sultan school board chair Gigi Gouldner confirmed to The Northern Light that an offer was made to Granger, and that Granger signed a letter of intent to join the Sultan school district.
A contract has yet to be signed, but the Sultan school district hopes to finish the process later in the week, Gouldner wrote via email.
According to the letter of intent, Granger will start his contract on July 1, 2025. A contract between Granger and the Sultan school district is still being worked out, and a final salary could not be confirmed by press time. The letter of intent wording shows the salary will likely be in the $200,000 range, which is similar to Granger’s current salary of nearly $216,000.
According to a March 3 press release, the Sultan school board began its superintendent search in September 2024. The position received 24 applicants, which was narrowed down to six by February 19. On March 1, the board narrowed down the search to three finalists: Lauri Landerholm, assistant superintendent of La Center school district, Dr. Nathan Plummer, principal of Heritage Tulalip High School, and Granger.
Granger spent a day touring the Sultan school district on March 4, and was awarded the position during the March 6 board meeting.
Granger held the reins as superintendent of Blaine school district for six years of particularly turbulent times in the Blaine community and the country. Granger started during the 2019-20 school year, when classes moved online because of Covid-19. He also presided over three consecutive years of budget cuts that have seen roughly 100 full-time employees lose their jobs at the district due to state funding and enrollment shortfalls.
In February 2024, Granger was named one of three finalists for an open superintendent position at the Ellensburg school district, for
Granger, page 2)
Vaccine clinics for uninsured, page 8
Borderite spring sports preview, page 10
Wings Over Water festival comes to Blaine
s Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival is returning to Blaine and Birch Bay for its 22nd year Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16. The festival will have a birding expo, youth activities, keynote speech from award-winning author Lyanda Lynn Haupt, and bird-viewing stations where people can get a chance to see birds such as the greater yellowlegs (pictured). Read more about Wings Over Water on page 5.
The latest from the Blaine City Council meeting on March 10.
Town hall
The city of Blaine held its first regular town hall before a Blaine City Council meeting on March 10 after city council voted on February 24 to hold a town hall before the first council meeting of each month.
The town hall was scheduled for 30 minutes, with each person being allotted one minute to speak. Councilmembers and city staff quickly addressed or responded to questions.
Council chambers was standing-room only as it was packed with several dozen people. Most in attendance were against
the city manager’s recommendation for the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 to receive an operations contract for senior services at the Blaine Community Center, as opposed to the Blaine Senior Center. Council will likely be presented with official recommendation in April, city manager Mike Harmon said.
About 10 people made a line to speak at the podium, where a new crowd-control barrier separated them from council and staff. Half of the speakers were in support of the Blaine Senior Center receiving the contract, while other topics included a stormwater manual update, “single female drivers” speeding on H Street, allowing mo-
City, page 3)
Photo
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From page 1
which he was ultimately not selected. The Sultan school district is on State Highway 2 in Snohomish County, roughly 25 miles east of Everett. It has an enrollment of 2,204 students for the 2024-25 school year and 153 teachers, according to data from the state office of superintendent of public instruction. Granger confirmed he signed a letter of intent, and will finish out the school year at Blaine. Granger said he and the school board will release a statement in the coming days.
s Christopher Granger. File photo
City ...
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tels in the residential/office zoning, disdain for a small majority writing negative emails to the city – and a request for more dinosaurs to be included in the new Blaine Marine Park plans.
The town hall was cordial. While councilmembers are not required to attend town halls, every council member attended except for Rhyan Lopez, who also wasn’t present at the council meeting. All city department leaders attended.
The town hall signified one of the first times members of the public could speak to council and staff since mayor Mary Lou Steward removed oral comment from meetings in February 2024.
Code of ethics
Councilmember Eric Lewis had asked council to discuss adopting the city of Ferndale’s code of ethics policy, which would enact voluntary guidelines in addition to state requirements. City staff refrained from making a recommendation on the motion.
“I suggest that we simply take any word where there is a reference to Ferndale and put in ‘Blaine,’” Lewis suggested.
Lewis said the code of ethics clarified what was in Blaine’s current rules of procedure and he learned a lot reading it as a councilmember.
“These would be additional guidelines that you would impose on yourself and it’s your choice whether you follow them or not,” Harmon said. “They’re not state law so if you deviate from them, there isn’t necessarily a punishment per se.”
Councilmember Sonia Hurt thought the additional guidelines would reflect well on the city.
Steward questioned whether Lewis had looked at other codes of ethics and how they compared to Ferndale’s, to which Lewis replied he hadn’t.
Councilmember Eric Davidson said, “Scratching out Ferndale and writing Blaine at the top isn’t something I want to do.”
Council agreed to table the topic until Lewis researched other examples and presented those findings to council.
Blaine Marine Park
Harpiar Gandhi, director of Blaine Public Works Department, told council that the Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board recommended the city select the second of two options for bringing new amenities to Blaine Marine Park.
The second option would add two sand volleyball courts, a pump track, skate park, six pickleball courts, vendors area, picnic area and large parking lot. Gandhi said the advisory committee recommended the park should be done in phases if the city didn’t have the funds to make all of the upgrades at once.
Hurt said she had submitted an alternative plan to the city that would put the pickleball courts in Lincoln Park, which would preserve some of the field. Hurt said the green space would be needed for events, such as the Bellingham Scottish Gathering, and it would keep the park’s serenity.
Harmon said council would likely have a study session on Blaine Marine Park during the Monday, April 28 meeting.
The city held two open houses on the design concepts in December to receive public input.
Tariffs
Harmon said a presentation on the city’s five-year cash flow would be given to council likely during the Monday, March 24 meeting, which ushered in a conversation about how the tariffs on Canada could impact Blaine.
Harmon said the city won’t see how Blaine sales tax revenue has been impacted until April or May
Birch Bay man arrested for possessing, dealing child sexual abuse material
B y G race M c c arthy
A 33-year-old Birch Bay man was arrested on probable cause of possessing and dealing child sexual abuse material.
Joshua Aaron Barber was booked into Whatcom County Jail on February 20 for three counts of possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and three counts of dealing the content. He was released the next day after posting $3,000 cash bail, according to jail records.
Whatcom County Superior Court records show that, on July 28, 2024, the messaging app Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Chil-
dren that a user had uploaded child sexual abuse material three times on July 24, 2024. The Seattle Police Department assigned the case to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) detective on January 12. On January 24, Comcast returned a warrant for more information on the Kik account’s IP address, which provided Barber’s information.
The WCSO contacted Barber on February 20, and he confirmed his email address to the detective, which was the same as the one associated with the Kik account, according to court records. Court records state Barber also said he used Kik for “random chatting.”
When the WCSO detective asked Barber to explain why
because sales tax numbers are delayed. He assured council that staff was watching the impacts on the sales tax, which is vital for the city’s budget.
Hurt said the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee is focusing on how to promote tourism to Canadians.
“I have a feeling this will be on par with the pandemic,” Hurt said. “It will have just as dramatic of an effect.”
Councilmember Mike Hill recommended that the city focus on cleaning the town to attract Canadians as it can’t change decisions made at the federal level.
Plover dock at Semiahmoo Resort
Council approved city staff executing a contract with Semiahmoo Resort that would allow the city to operate the Plover ferry from the Plover dock in Semiahmoo.
Drayton Harbor Maritime (DHM), the nonprofit that previously managed the Plover until last year, owns the Plover dock but leases the ground from which the dock and gangway sit on top from Semiahmoo Resort. DHM and Semiahmoo Resort have an agreement that states if DHM doesn’t operate a ferry service, the resort can reassign use of the dock for a ferry operator.
Hurt asked what would prevent DHM from moving its dock, to which Harmon replied “nothing.”
“The city would then put in its own dock and exercise its own lease with the resort if we couldn’t come to an agreement with Drayton Harbor Maritime,” Harmon said.
Bell Road Grade Separation Project design contract
Council approved David Evans and Associates receive a contract to design 30 percent of the Bell RoadBNSF Railway Grade Separation Project.
City staff and the Washington State Department of Transportation determined David Evans and Associates was the most qualified. The federal government is fully funding the $6 million project. According to the contract, 30 percent of the design must be completed by December 31, 2031.
The project, years in the making, will build an overpass above train tracks near Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive. The project will cost about $80 million in total.
Stormwater manual Council did not vote on updating its stormwater management manual from the state’s 2019 to 2024 version after city staff told council the city had already updated the newest version. Lewis had asked city staff during the last council meeting to provide more information on updating the manual after a few Blaine residents voiced concern that the city may not be in compliance with state standards.
someone on his Kik account uploaded child sexual abuse material, he requested an attorney.
Barber was booked into jail without incident. As part of his release conditions, Barber is prohibited from having contact with minors.
Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse material can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s tip line at cybertipline.com and to the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has resources available for child sexual exploitation survivors and their families at bit.ly/4anORly. The center also operates a 24-hour hotline at 800/843-5678.
s Councilmember Eric Lewis during the Blaine City Council meeting on March 10. Lewis proposed council adopt a code of ethics that mirrored the one that the city of Ferndale uses. Photo by Grace McCarthy
s People line up to speak during the city of Blaine’s first regular town hall on March 10. The town halls will be held before the first Blaine City Council meeting of each month.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
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
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Contributors In This Issue
Jonathan Jakobitz
Juan Jocom / Washington State Journal
Laura Nesse
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 39
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Planning summit held for Blaine marine center OpiniOn
s Drayton Harbor Oyster Company co-owner Steve Seymour presents during a planning summit on MERIS at Semiahmoo Resort on March 4. MERIS (Marine, Economy, and Research Institute for Sustainability) is an envisioned Blaine marine center on Blaine Harbor that would be used for marine research, education and tourism. Local groups including Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation and the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District have been working on developing the project concept for the past year.
Letters
The Editor: I’m bewildered by Trump’s reasoning about tariffs on Canada. He’s ignoring the USMCA free-trade treaty he negotiated in his first term, which he called “the largest, most significant, modern and balanced trade agreement in history,” in a January 29, 2020 statement. It’s still in effect. He signed it. Breaking the treaty signals that he (and by extension, the U.S.) can’t be trusted. The world now wonders if it’s worth signing anything with him. The uncertainty caused by his on-again, off-again policies has long-term effects, making it impossible to know U.S. intentions from one day to the next.
Fentanyl and illegal immigrants entering the U.S. are Trump’s reason for tariffs. But, is fentanyl coming across the Canadian border a valid reason? The amount of fentanyl seized at the northern border is minimal – historically, less than one percent compared to the southern border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. More recently, Canada implemented actions that have decreased northern bor-
der fentanyl seizures to near zero.
As a reason for tariffs, Canada not preventing the small number of illegal immigrants coming into the U.S. is really confusing. It’s the U.S. that decides who can enter; the U.S. is in charge of its border. In effect, Trump is saying it’s Canada’s job to control entry to the U.S. Is he saying this to set up our good, hard-working U.S. border agents to be fired for so-called incompetence? My suggestions: Stand by the treaties you’ve signed. Stop using a straw-man drug enforcement argument. Stop asking Canada to protect our border. Remove and don’t apply any new tariffs.
Finally, every time Trump calls Canada’s Prime Minister a governor deepens Canadians’ anger toward all of us. Labeling Canada’s Prime Minister a U.S. governor is false, but, reflecting their reputation as nice people, the Canadian Prime Minister hasn’t been using Trump’s true label: convicted felon.
Chuck Kinzer 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: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
The Editor: After last weekend’s “spring forward” to daylight time, I’m feeling the effects of the time change and am again wondering why we keep doing this year after year. Research shows serious problems with the March time change as evidenced by (See Letters, next page)
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Correction
In the article titled “Blaine City Council roundup: Town hall, downtown revitalization, community center” in the February 27 issue of The Northern Light, it stated BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 was awarded the contract for the Blaine Community Center. Blaine city staff recommended the parks district receive the contract, but Blaine City Council has not yet voted. We regret the error.
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.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Tariffs change minute-by-minute
B y P at G ru BB
The tariff situation involving the U.S. and the rest of the world appears to change on a minute-by-minute basis. As of press time on Wednesday morning, the U.S. had applied 25 percent tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to countries across the globe. Canada, as the major exporter of these metals to the U.S., was disproportionately affected and immediately announced that retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods entering Canada would go into effect on Thursday, March 13.
Separately, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the suspension of a 25 percent tariff on exports of electricity to the U.S. that he imposed earlier in the week following conversations that took place with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Ford will meet with Lutnick and other American officials on March 13 in Washington, D.C.
Ontario supplies a significant amount of electricity to Michigan, Minnesota and New York state, and Ford estimated that the tariff would add $100 to the average monthly bill for residents in those states. President Donald Trump previously announced that he would double the tariff on steel and aluminum to 50 percent, which he then walked back
Letters ...
From previous page
increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, medical errors and auto accidents, as well as decreased worker productivity.
So should we stop this back and forth time change in March and November and remain on daylight time year-round? I think not. This was tried in both world wars and also the winter of 197374. In late 1973, 80 percent of Americans were in favor of it but after two months of year-round daylight time, approval plummeted to 42 percent. The increased morning darkness, which the Washington Post called “Darkness Time,” contributed to the deaths of several children on their way to school. Here in Whatcom County, daylight time in the winter would mean post 9 a.m. sunrises for almost four weeks in December and January. Year-round standard time has advantages. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, standard time contributes to healthier, more natural sleep patterns. It’s all related to our circadian rhythm, the internal “clock” in our brain that regulates alertness and many body functions. Healthcare providers at the Cleveland Clinic say our circadian rhythm tells our body when to sleep and wake up, as well as influencing hormones, digestion and body temperature. But most people’s circadian rhythm is not exactly 24 hours.
after Ford agreed to suspend the tariff for the time being. Ford has previously promised to cut power “with a smile” if the U.S. did not agree to end the tariff war.
According to the U.S. administration, the U.S. plans to institute unspecified tariffs on all agricultural products and all foreign cars on Wednesday, April 2.
On March 12, the Canadian government announced tariffs on nearly $30 billion worth of American products, including steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment and more, in response to the new tariffs.
LeBlanc described the new U.S. tariffs as “unjustified and unjustifiable” and said the Canadian government must respond to the “unfairly targeted” actions. The European Union also announced March 12 that it would impose tariffs totaling about $28 billion against U.S. goods in response, effective Monday, April 1.
The new Canadian tariffs are in addition to those imposed after the U.S. implemented tariffs on all Canadian exports that did not comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement that was negotiated during Trump’s first term in office. In all, Canada has applied 25 percent tariffs on approximately $60 billion of American products to date. Officials are reserving additional tariffs that will be levied against another $100 billion of U.S.-made goods if Trump makes
One University of Washington biologist says that our bodies naturally want to sync up with daylight hours and that the morning light we miss with daylight time is unhealthy for both body and mind.
In even stronger language, neuroscientist Joseph Takahashi warns, “Daylight saving time, in terms of medical and health consequences, is the worst choice.”
Staying on year-round standard time would be the best choice for health and safety.
Beth Sanborn Birch Bay
The Editor: In response to Raymond Cush-
good on his promise to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on all countries on April 2.
Trump is continuing taunts that Canada should become the U.S.’s 51st state and describing the border as “an artificial line of separation” that shouldn’t exist. Canadian foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly said, “It’s just not a threat to Canadian jobs, Canadian families. It is an existential threat to our country. This is not only a fight about the economy, it is about the future of our country.”
The backlash from ordinary Canadians has been extraordinary –travel across the U.S. border has dropped, and boycotts against U.S. goods have been growing. Liquor stores across the country have pulled booze from the U.S. from their shelves and placed signs exhorting shoppers to buy Canadian products instead.
In a scathing March 12 editorial, the Rupert Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal wrote, “The trouble with trade wars is that once they begin, they can quickly escalate and get out of control. All the more so when politicians are nearing an election campaign, as Canada now is. Or when Mr. Trump behaves as if his manhood is implicated because a foreign nation won’t take his nasty border taxes lying down.
We said from the beginning that this North American trade war is the dumbest in history, and we were being kind.”
ing’s letter complaining about negative comments re our current president. Get ready for more, Mr. Cushing. Trump and his supporters need to know that there’s a cost to dishonesty, traitorously serving another country’s agenda go the cost of our own, and his bullying. When he stops this, the rest of us will lighten up. After January 6, I find it hard to believe anyone supports this Russian stooge, who’s much more a 1930’s German than American. He would have brought marshmallows to the burning of the reichstag.
Jack Kintner
Blaine
Wings Over Water takes flight this weekend
B y G race M c c arthy
Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will take over Blaine and Birch Bay for its 22nd annual event Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16.
The festival will open with a dinner and featured artist reception at Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, 6-9 p.m. March 14. There will be a meet-andgreet with featured artist Forrest Chel, silent auction and presentation from Amy Eberling, founder of the Salish Sea School in Anacortes. Tickets cost $35.
The festival’s main event is a free, all-day birding expo at the Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 H Street, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15. The expo will have a vendors market, wildlife exhibits, youth activities, expert presentations, and live raptor presentations from Sardis Raptor Center.
The North Cascades Audubon Society will operate bird viewing stations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 15. Maps with viewing station locations will be available at the Blaine Pavilion.
Naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt will give a free, keynote presentation on human connection to the natural world at Blaine Senior Center at 5 p.m. March 15 Haupt is a two-time winner of the Washington State Book Award and created the educational programs at the Seattle
Audubon Society.
On March 16, local organizations will host a story time and hot chocolate from 10 a.m. to noon, and crafts from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the bp Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive in Birch Bay State Park.
The Blaine Arts Council will also have artists’ work featuring local birds on display at its gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive. The Alaska Packers Association Museum will be open for the festival and displaying Blaine artist Georgia Donovan’s work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15 at 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway.
The festival will also have wildlife cruises, birding field trips across Blaine and B.C., and a photography workshop. For more information, visit wingsoerwaterbirdingfestival. com.
2025 BORDERITE SPRING SPORTS
Girls Golf
4/3
4/7
Boys Golf
Girls Softball
Track & Field
5/1
5/3
5/6
5/8
Girls Tennis
4/30
Boys Soccer
Riley Miller steps up as Blaine softball’s
her will be finding an identity for her team, she said.
After spending five years as assistant coach, Riley Miller is ready to fill in her father Sean Miller’s footsteps as Blaine’s new head softball coach.
The two had coached together since the 2019 season, when Blaine went just 4-16. Since then, the Millers brought the program many wins, including the first state tournament appearance since 2009.
“I actually have been super fortunate while coaching with my dad because he never made me feel less than and we were always a pair,” Miller said. “I was always able to feel like I had a say.”
Sean stepped down at the end of last season to get out of the spotlight after five seasons leading the Borderites. He totaled 63 wins, 42 of which were Northwest Conference wins that included a 31-13 conference record in the last three seasons.
“I couldn’t be happier with their selection, but to be honest it was a no-brainer,” Sean said.
One of the biggest challenges for
“We’re going to be scrappy, which I’m super excited for,” Miller said.
This season’s team will feature four returning varsity starters, a freshman starting and bench players from past seasons.
As a former Blaine High School varsity softball player of four years, Miller knows what it takes to be a high school athlete.
“I can’t imagine coaching anywhere else,” Miller said. “I have an immense amount of pride, and I love being a Borderite.”
After graduating high school, Miller began coaching the youth 12U team in Blaine, which featured a group of girls she would coach throughout their middle and high school careers until they graduated last season.
“It’s my first year coaching without them,” Miller said. “It’s a little nerve wracking, but I know I was brought up by the best.”
Miller also coaches the middle school softball team that plays in the fall. She is dedicated to the youth programs setting up the next
generations of Borderites.
“I love playing a role in growing other Borderites and creating a culture where kids want to be a Borderite,” Miller said. “We could not do what we do without our youth program and all the volunteers.”
Miller and Blaine baseball head coach Hunter Anderson hosted open batting practice during the offseason to familiarize fourth through sixth graders with the youth baseball and softball teams.
“I know Riley and I will be out watching their little league games whenever we can get away from our own team after practice,” Anderson said.
In this season’s high school team, Miller has seen they have the ability to compete at a high level in the Northwest Conference.
“We have a really good core group of girls,” Miller said.
s Riley Miller, head coach of the Borderites softball team, on March 5. This is Miller’s first season as the head coach after being the assistant coach since the 2018-2019 season.
Photo by Zen Hill
s Riley Miller, l., gives a fist bump to senior outfielder Isabella Vezzetti during a game against Nooksack Valley on April 9, 2024. Photo by Nolan Baker
Health & Wellness Local
Observing birds can impact your mental health – here’s how to start
B y l aura N esse
March is here, and nature is beginning to wake from its hibernation. You’ll hear more bird sounds as the sunlight is longer and warmer. Have you ever wondered what bird is making all that racket?
Maybe you already know, or perhaps you just wish it would
be quiet so you can get another hour of sleep. If it’s the latter, I’d love for you to take a moment to appreciate what it means when you hear that sound.
A 2022 study led by researcher Emil Stobbe showed birdsongs improved people’s mood, while traffic noise decreased it. The study, done on nearly 300 people, showed a decrease in depression, anxiety and paranoia after people listened to birds.
There are many opportunities to improve your mood with the abundance of birds in Blaine and Birch Bay. During this time of the year, birds become more active, scouting territories and beginning their courtship rituals.
One bird in the area, chickadees, twitter as they group forage, sounding as though they’re gossiping and laughing, but freezing if they hear a highpitched “chickadee-dee-dee” predator call. Their classic “chickadee-dee” call lets everyone know that all is clear. You may even hear the lone highlow “fee-bee” whistle males use to call potential mates.
Another bird that has always fascinated me is the northern flicker. This brightly patterned bird is a woodpecker that forages on the ground instead of drumming into trees for insects.
However, it does enjoy drumming on metal such as your gutters. The sound is perfect for announcing its territory to other male flickers in the area.
If you’re interested in learning more about birds, The Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will be held in Blaine Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16. You can attend talks about the owls of the northwest or the ecology of hummingbirds. There will be a birding expo open to the public featuring vendors, live raptor presentations and free kids’ activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will show a free movie about birding called “The Big Year,” starring Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Bring a chair or pillows for the movie – the popcorn is free.
I hope March brings you bird sounds to identify and improve your mood as spring begins.
Laura Nesse is the naturalist and activity coordinator at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
Health department offering vaccine clinics for uninsured
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services has announced its upcoming vaccine clinics where people can receive free immunizations for people without medical insurance.
The clinic will be located at 800 E. Chestnut Street, suite 1B, in Bellingham. It is walk-in only and will be held 2:30-5:30 p.m. each date. The vaccines will be available on a first-come, firstserve basis and the last walk-in will be accepted at 5:15 p.m.
The clinic dates are on the following Tuesdays: April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, August 5 and September 9.
Northwest Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!
What We Do
At Northwest Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, we provide cutting edge, expert care in screening, prevention and management of diseases of the digestive tract. Some of the most common illnesses we treat are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic liver disease.
The Vital Role of Colonoscopy in Colorectal Cancer Screening
When detected early, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. The cornerstone of early detection is colonoscopy. Screening guidelines recommend that individuals at average risk should begin colonoscopy screenings at the age of 45. Earlier screening is suggested if there are risk factors. Your gastroenterologist will help determine the appropriate timing for your screenings based on your personal and family history.
What About Stool-based Tests for Colon Cancer Screening?
Generally, we do not recommend them, as we do not feel they are an adequate means of PREVENTING colon cancer. They are significantly less effective at detecting high-risk colon polyps, less cost effective, and have a high false positive rate which can lead to unwarranted anxiety as patients await further evaluation. Despite these advancements in stool and blood screening modalities, Colonoscopy remains the gold standard (best test) for colon cancer detection and prevention.
Why Choose Us?
Northwest Gastroenterology was founded in 1979 and is the largest gastroenterology group in Whatcom County, with 10 physicians and 3 advanced practitioners (ARNP, PA-C). We offer in-person clinic visits, telehealth appointments, a physician managed infusion suite and an efficient private endoscopy center, all located at our new state-of-the-art facility in Barkley Village. Our staff of over 100 people are fully dedicated to ensuring your digestive health.
The adult vaccines available will be the Tdap, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Influenza (flu). Children can receive all recommended vaccines except for the MMR, Varicella, Covid-19, Men B, Hib and Rotavirus vaccines. People who need to schedule an appointment outside of the clinic dates may email immunizations@co.whatcom.wa.us or call 360/778-6100. Additional vaccines will be offered outside of the clinics, including Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Men B and Rotavirus.
For updated information on the clinics, visit bit.ly/4kKOxlp.
Physicians
Jash Bansal, MD, MPH
Alison Freeman, MD, MPH
Donald Gullickson, MD
Kelly McCullough, MD
Gregory Munson, MD, MPH
Kristina Ross, MD
Benjamin Siemanowski, MD
Dylan Stanfield, MD
Rinad Tabbalat, MD
Todd Witte, MD
Advanced Practitioners
Megan Britson, PA-C
Kristin Page, ARNP
Elizabeth Waltman, PA-C
Northwest Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
New address: 3111 Woburn St.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360.734.1420 • nwgastroendo.com
s A northern flicker in the Blaine area.
Photo by Chuck Kinzer / ckimageart.com
Health & Wellness
Where to go for care during a busy respiratory virus season
PeaceHealth encourages the public to consider options other than the ER for non-life-threatening conditions
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is experiencing above average patient volumes in its emergency department due to high rates of RSV, flu and other emergent health needs.
The hospital is asking those with non-emergency health issues to consider other options for care. Primary care providers can take care of most health needs through regular check-ups or same-day visits.
“Please know that we treat every-
one who visits our emergency department, but those with non-emergency needs will most likely have a longer wait time before we are able to care for them,” said Dr. James Scribner, medical director at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s emergency department. “We are asking the community to consider other care options for non-emergency healthcare needs so our team can care for the most ill and vulnerable.”
Scribner encouraged anyone with difficulty breathing or challenges getting enough oxygen to come to the ER for an evaluation. He added that for other flu or re-
spiratory virus symptoms, like body aches and coughing, selfcare or a visit to your primary care physician or same-day clinic may be a more suitable option.
For individuals who do not have a primary care provider and have a health need that is not life-threatening, three PeaceHealth Priority Care clinics in Whatcom County offer same-day, drop-in care with extended hours. The locations are:
The Priority Care at PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic at 8840 Benson Road, suite 3, in Lynden. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the clinic can be contacted at 360/288-4741.
The Priority Care at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic at 4545 Cordata Pkwy, suite 1A, in Bellingham. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The clinic can be contacted at 360/788-8180.
The PeaceHealth Priority Care at Medical Office Plaza at 3015 Squalicum Pkwy, suite 140, in Bellingham. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the clinic can be contacted at 360/788-8420.
Courtesy of PeaceHealth
Warning signs for heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that cardiovascular diseases, which are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, claim roughly 18 million lives each year. More than 80 percent of those deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes that oftentimes can be prevented.
The right lifestyle choices, which include eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can help people reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. Learning to recognize warning signs of heart disease is another way individuals can reduce their risk of developing this global but often preventable threat.
• Chest pain: Chest pain is widely recognized as a sign of heart attack. However, many people experience chest pain without ever suffering a heart attack. So how can individuals distinguish chest pain suggestive of heart disease from less threatening types of pain in their chest, such as stiffness after strength training or discomfort stemming from a pulled pectoral muscle? According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), chest pain related to heart attack is marked by feelings of heaviness, tightness or pressure in the chest. Pain or tightness in the chest that subsides after a few minutes may be indicative of angina, which the Mayo Clinic notes is a symptom of coronary artery disease caused by a reduction of blood flow to the heart.
• Stomach pain: People may not instantly associate stomach pain with
heart disease, but in certain instances such discomfort might indicate a heart problem. The BHF notes that a painful or burning feeling in the stomach can be indicative of a heart problem, including heart attack. Though it’s not easy to distinguish between heartburn, which in spite of its name is a digestive issue, and stomach pain indicative of heart attack, it’s best to avoid writing off abdominal pain as heartburn. The Mayo Clinic notes that many heart attacks do not involve sudden, crushing chest pain, and are instead characterized by a host of warning signs, including abdominal pain.
The BHF advises anyone experiencing stomach pain who are unsure of its origins to contact a health care professional immediately.
• Arm pain: Pain in the arm is another potential indicator of heart disease. According to the Mayo
Clinic, arm pain that appears suddenly and is severe could be a symptom of heart attack. This pain may occur alongside feelings of pressure, fullness or squeezing in the chest.
The BHF notes that a heart attack is more likely to occur if the pain is going down the arm, particularly the left arm, or into the neck.
• Swelling in the lower legs: The National Library of Medicine notes that swelling in the legs, ankles or feet is indicative of a heart problem. Blood flow is adversely affected when the heart is not working at peak capacity, and that can contribute to what’s effectively a traffic jam involving the blood in the veins of the legs. That backup causes the buildup of fluid in the tissues.
Heart disease is a formidable and deadly foe. Learning to recognize the warning signs of heart disease might prove lifesaving.
s The Priority Care at PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic, 8840 Benson Road. Photo courtesy of PeaceHealth
spOrts
Spring Sports Preview Part 2: Golf, tennis, soccer, track and field
B y N ola N B aker
Boys golf
The Blaine boys golf team is now coached by Matt McAuley, an assistant golf coach to former head coach Rick Shockey for the past three seasons, and head coach of the girls bowling team. McAuley has worked closely with this group of upperclassmen golfers since they were incoming freshmen, and said he’s excited to see those players make big jumps in their final seasons.
The golf program lost six varsity players to graduation, but McAuley knows that there’s a ton of new and returning talent on this year’s team.
One of those returning golfers to watch is Ellis Griffin, who came just a few strokes shy of qualifying for the 1A state championship last year, but seems poised to have another great year on the links.
Another name to look for is sophomore Peyton Bouma, who played most of his freshman season on the varsity squad, making the bi-district playoff.
“I expect even better things from him this year,” McAuley said.
Working alongside Shockey for three years prepared McAuley for his new role, and he hopes to keep the solid team culture and program interest that Shockey built up for years to come.
“I learned so much about how to run a program from [Shockey],” McAuley said. “It’s been great learning from him and taking a lot of the stuff he did and incorporating that into this year’s team.”
Blaine boys golf starts the season with a home match at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, March 18, first tee at 2 p.m.
Girls golf
With five returning varsity players, Blaine girls golf is set for another season on the links after three golfers narrowly missed state qualification in 2024.
Third-year head coach Connie Pilon said the team of 11 golfers has lots of new faces this season, and has already seen the whole team begin to gel together in the short preseason practice window before the schedule begins.
“I’m just looking at them to shine
in all of their matches,” Pilon said.
“I’m looking for them to improve. They’ve improved just from the week of practice I’ve seen. They’re very focused and invested in each other’s game.”
Pilon said there’s tons of talent on this year’s team, but mentioned a trio of junior golfers that have their hopes set on a state championship bid: Hannah Phelps-McDonald, Thora Engen and Megan Rosenberger.
“Those are my returning juniors that played a lot of varsity last year,” Pilon said. “They told me their goal is to get to state and play better this year in the district [tournament] than we did last year and improve in lowering their scores and not getting frustrated with themselves.”
The mental game is a huge aspect of golf, and Pilon said that has been a focus during preseason practice sessions.
“The big thing is they get frustrated and then their stroke goes away,” Pilon said. “I just want them to enjoy themselves, improve on their skills in practice and enjoy the gals that they play with in the matches.”
The first home match of the season for the Borderites is set for 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club.
Track and field
Blaine track and field is now head coached by a familiar name for most
Borderite runners, cross-country head coach Roberto Aguilera. After former head coach Mark Schultz stepped down, Aguilera spent the offseason assembling his coaching staff, bringing in Serrah Gerhardt (jumping and hurdling), Jarid Poole (sprinting), Abigail Triou (throwing), and Colter Papritz, with Aguilera taking over long-distance coaching duties.
With a new coaching staff, Aguilera hopes to instill a fresh culture into the track and field program, encouraging these young athletes to work together to make themselves, and the team, better.
“My team philosophy is working together as a family, enjoying what we do while working hard, putting in that grit, determination and consistency day in and day out,” Aguilera said. “And making sure that the kids have the resources that they need.”
A full coaching staff with expertise in each competition will surely help Blaine keep up its representation in district and state playoffs coming up at the end of the season.
The 2024 track and field program sent 10 athletes to the 1B/2B/1A state championships, mostly sprinters, throwers and relay teams.
The boys 4x100-meter relay team should be reloaded for another great season, with Jaiden Paez, Beckum Bleazard, Dylan
Johnson and AJ Anthony-Bennett, who will also do long jump.
Aguilera said he was excited for the girls 4x100-meter relay team of Brietta Sandell, Juliana Zuzarte, Kaitlyn Ritter von Trautmann and an open spot with multiple athletes looking to rise to the occasion and win the position.
“I don’t know who, we’ll have to test that out once we get to our first meet,” Aguilera said. “As the season progresses, we can see who can fit in that spot, but I believe that they are contenders to go to state.”
Blaine track and field will host its first home meet of the season against Ferndale on April 2, with events starting at 3:30 p.m. at Borderite Stadium.
Girls tennis
The girls tennis team is also being led by a new head coach, Marcel Zuzarte, who played collegiate and semi-professional tennis and raised three kids through the Blaine school district.
Zuzarte said the offseason training has been slow going due to the bad weather that keeps his team off the uncovered home tennis courts. But indoor training in the gymnasium has been a great start to his tenure as coach, Zuzarte said.
Three players made it to the bi-district playoffs at the end of last season, but no Borderites were able to break into the state tournament.
This season, the goal for Zuzarte is to build a solid foundation, and get more girls interested in joining the team and staying through multiple seasons.
“My ambition is for the girls to grow,” Zuzarte said. “That’s really what we’re looking for, growth. Growth of the program, growth of the freshmen, sophomores and juniors so we can continue to build.”
The first home tennis match of the 2025 season is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 when the Borderites take on Burlington-Edison. Blaine will host another match at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 against Mount Vernon.
Boys soccer
After a solid regular season in 2024, the Borderites couldn’t make a final push in the playoffs for a state berth, but lost only five seniors to graduation, and look poised to run back another strong season of boys soccer.
The team was knocked out of the 1A District 1 playoffs by Meridian, finishing the season 9-4-2 with a 4-3-1 conference record. The story of the five-team 1A Northwest Conference was of haves and have-nots. The Borderites went 4-0-0 against bottom table Mt. Baker and Nooksack Valley, but went winless (0-31) against Meridian and Lynden Christian.
The Borderites have likely lost their two best scorers from last season, with Leo Blanco graduating and Blake Koreski recovering from a knee injury that occurred during the winter sports season.
That duo combined for nearly half of Blaine’s goals (22 of 47 total) last season, so the team will certainly need to find new offensive options to stay apace with perennial NWC contenders like Meridian and Lynden Christian.
Look for brothers Maxim and Dmitriy Yuryev to take a big step forward for the team, with the senior and junior pair holding down the middle of the pitch on midfield and defense.
The first home game of the season will come against Northwest Conference opponent Oak Harbor at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 at Borderite Stadium.
Fix a Leak
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
SPONSORED BY: BIRCH BAY WATER SEWER DISTRICT & THE CITY OF BLAINE
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.
s Senior defender Maxim Yuryev controls the ball during a March 18, 2024 game against Cedar Park Christian at Borderite Stadium. Photo by Nolan Baker
at the Blaine School District Office, 765 H St, Blaine WA 98230. Winning bidder will be notified by 4pm that day. Additional information may be obtained by emailing transportation@blainesd.org.
Blaine School
Board of Directors reserves the right to waive any informalities and irregularities.
Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Jennifer Slattery
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
served or mailed the notice to the
tor as provided under
(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). 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 copy of Notice to Creditors: March 5, 2025.
Date of first publication of Notice to Creditors: March 13, 2025.
Date of Closure of Creditor Claim Period: July 13, 2025.
Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791
Personal Representative: MELINDA E. BAZAN
314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688 Lynden, WA 98264-0688 Tel. (360) 354-5021 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
Grantor: NIGEL GROOM AND ERICA BEYER
Current Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust: CHRIS HUDSON AND DALE GOTTLIEB
Current Trustee of the Deed of
I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Trustee will, on the 21st day of March, 2025, at the hour of 1:30 PM, on the courthouse steps of Whatcom County Superior Court located at 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable at the time of sale, the following described real property, situated in the County of Whatcom, State of Washington, to-wit:
Parcel: Lot 71, Plat of Eliza Island, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Volume 9 of Plats, pages 31 and 32, records of Whatcom County, Washington. Situate in Whatcom County, Washington.
Which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust dated April 1, 2021, recorded April 1, 2021, under Auditor’s File No. 2021-0400105, records of Whatcom County, Washington, from Nigel Groom and Erica Beyer as Grantors, to Whatcom Land Title Company, Inc., as Trustee, to secure an obligation in favor of Chris Hudson and Dale Gottlieb, as Beneficiaries. On November 8, 2024, both a Resignation of Trustee and an Appointment of Successor Trustee were recorded under Whatcom County Auditor’s File No. 2024-1100560 and 2024-1100574, appointing CSD Attorneys at Law P.S. as Successor Trustee of the Deed of Trust dated April 1, 2021, recorded on April 1, 2021, under Auditor’s File No. 2021-0400105.
II. No action commenced by the Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any court by reason of the Borrower’s or Grantor’s default on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust.
III. The defaults for which this foreclosure is made are as follows: Failure to pay when due the following amounts which are now in arrears:
October 2023= $774.53
November 2023= $774.53
December 2023= $774.53
January 2024= $774.53
May 2024= $774.53
June 2024= $774.53
July 2024= $774.53
August 2024= $774.53
September 2024= $774.53
October 2024 = $774.53
November 2024= $774.53
Total= $8,519.83
Attorneys’ Fees = $6,732.00
Other Attorney Costs (Postage & Service Related Costs; Title Report; Recording fees) = $772.46
Total = $16,024.29
IV. The sum owing on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust is a Principal amount of Fifty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Thirteen Dollars and Forty-One Cents ($57,813.41), together with interest as provided in the note or other instrument secured from the 1st day of April 2021, and such other costs and fees as are due under the note or other instrument secured, and as are provided by statute.
V. The above-described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust, as provided by statute. The sale will be made without warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances on the 21st day of March, 2025. The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by the 10th day of March, 2025 (eleven [11] days before the sale date), to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time on or before the 10th day of March, 2025 (eleven [11] days before the sale date), the defaults as set forth in Paragraph III are cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. The sale may be terminated any time after the 10th day of March, 2025 (eleven [11] days before the sale date), and before the sale by the Borrower, Grantor, any Guarantor, or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the entire Principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees, and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust, and curing all other defaults.
VI. A written notice of default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following addresses:
Nigel Groom and Erica Beyer, 1304 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225
Nigel Groom and Erica Beyer, 1028 38th St, Bellingham, WA 98229 by both first-class and certified mail on the 20th day of September 2024, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served on the 3rd day of October 2024, with said written notice of default or the written notice of default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in Paragraph above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting.
VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale.
VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through, or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property.
IX. Anyone having any objection to the sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale.
X. NOTICE TO OCCUPANTS OR TENANTS The purchaser at the trustee’s
Real Estate
The site plan approval is in process with the County. This gorgeous property offers open sun-drenched areas. Jen Freeman 360-815-0803 2794
footage. This is a wellbuilt, well-insulated, LED lighting, electric door opener with sheet rock interior walls. Come take a look and reserve your unit. Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
8629 Blue Grouse Wy
MLS#2339461 $829,000
Charming craftsman style home with welcoming front porch is in pristine condition & has been lovingly cared for. Great Room opens to a covered back deck with just enough lawn to call your own--but with limited upkeep. Comfortable, efficient kitchen open to casual dining space. It’s all about live-ability--this home will serve you well! Rich craftmanship, lots of detailed upgrades, hardwood floors, detailed trim, wood blinds, granite, stainless appliances, jetted tub.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: RONALD WILLIAM SCHWEIGERT, Deceased. Probate No. 24-4-00987-37. AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Lee Grochmal
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 Clerk of this Court. 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 (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). 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 copy of Notice to Creditors filed: November 13, 2024.
Date probate opened: November 13, 2024
Date of first publication: February 27, 2025
Date creditor claim period closes: June 27, 2025
Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A.
9540 Semiahmoo Parkway Slip I-20 MLS# 2330029 $76,000 Wonderful peaceful marina in the Pacific Northwest with easy access to San Juans, only 16 nautical miles. Great location with gorgeous views for this 44 ft. slip on I dock. Fully serviced marina with laundry room, showers, restrooms, store and off-street parking. Walking distance to the Inn at Semiahmoo and paved walking and cycling trails. A must see.
Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: RENEE LOUISE HOWELL, Deceased. No. 25-4-00140-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge EVAN JONES.
The Person named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 6, 2025 with the Clerk of Court
Date of First Publication: March 6, 2025
Name of Administrator: Garth Howell
Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Address for Mailing or Service:
True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227
P: (360) 639-3393
E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com
DATED: February 24, 2025
True North Legal Services, PLLC
Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Attorney for Administrator: Garth Howell
Published in The Northern Light March 6, 2025, March 13, 2025, & March 20, 2025.
5410 Snow Goose Lane Unit #503
MLS#2341805 $369,500 This 2 bed, 1 bath
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Duane Claeys, Deceased. NO. 25-4-00208-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal
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: March 13, 2025
Personal Representative: Colleen Grace Claeys a.k.a Grace Claeys 5465 Shields Road 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. 25-4-00208-37.
Ferguson presents plan for $7 billion in budget cuts
B y J ua N J oco M / W
ashi NG to N s tate
J our N al
Governor Bob Ferguson has announced $7 billion in budget cuts that will reduce state payrolls, institute furlough days and other spending moves to address the state’s $15 billion budget shortfall.
“I believe we can build a more sustainable future for Washingtonians, one that is both fiscally responsible and remains true to our values,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson announced the cuts February 27. He said $4 billion in cuts his administration has identified comes on top of $3 billion in budget cuts proposed by former Governor Jay Inslee.
Among the reductions, Ferguson said he will require state employees to take one furlough day per month, saving $300 million over the next two years. Troopers patrolling roads and prison and state hospital staff members are exempt.
Ferguson said he also is scaling back one-time federally funded programs. For example, a lease on a warehouse used by the Department of Health during the pandemic will end, saving $4.4 million over four years.
The food bank program, which received $12 million per biennium in 2019, was expanded to $128 million in 2021-23 with one-time federal funding during the pandemic. Since then, the legislature has maintained that support, but Ferguson now proposes reducing its funding to $82 million for the next biennium.
The Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington State Parks will share office space to save $2.4 million over four years.
Ferguson said he will also reduce out-of-state travel by half, in-state travel by 25 percent and spending on equipment by 10 percent. Another $1 billion worth
of budget savings were suggested by different agencies, but the governor said he needed more time to review before recommending them to the legislature.
“These [budget cut proposals] are not, of course, final decisions,” Ferguson said. “These are proposals we were making to the legislature for their consideration. We will, of course, be working with both parties in the next few months.”
Ultimately, the legislature will debate all the spending proposals, and it is safe to say not all will be in agreement with Ferguson’s cuts.
While Senator Chris Gildon (R-Puyallup) applauded Ferguson for delivering these proposals a month in advance, he has concerns.
“The proposal for state-employee furloughs are concerning,” Gildon said. “This plan sends a message to taxpayers: public servants will receive higher pay using $4 billion more of your tax dollars, and in return, you will receive 12 fewer days of service from them each year for two years. I doubt the people of our state will see this as a fair deal.”
And Democrats have said they are not in favor of cuts to programs residents depend on, and have favored adding additional revenues through taxes and fees
to balance the budget.
Senator June Robinson (D-Everett) welcomed the proposals but emphasized that these cuts alone won’t create a sustainable system for Washingtonians, given the nature of federal funding.
“We appreciate the work the governor and state agencies have done to reach this point,” Robinson said. “Like them, we recognize that budget reductions are necessary and will carefully consider all the options that have been identified.”
Despite uncertainty over federal government funding, Ferguson said he is keeping his promise not to cut funding for K-12 public schools, public safety, homeless and housing assistance and Medicaid.
Additionally, Ferguson said that he will maintain funding for the collective bargaining agreements and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
A new revenue forecast is due in March, Ferguson said, and will give a better idea of just how big the deficit is and how deeply the government must cut.
The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
Blaine book club review: “When Women Were Dragons”
B y J o N atha N J ako B it Z
“When Women Were Dragons” is a work of magical realism by author Kelly Regan Barnhill. It imagines a world in which women randomly transform into dragons to fly away, leaving their human lives behind. While there is a mystery here of why women are “dragoning,” don’t let the fantastical element fool you; the narrative core of this story is all too real, grounded and heartbreaking.
Set in the 1950s, with all the societal norms and expectations that era entails, “When Women Were Dragons” uses elements of the fantastical to push the boundaries of the ’50s and provide a feminist critique of the patriarchy.
Alex Green is a young girl who finds her world upended time and again. The obstacles and challenges she faces are harrowing, and the complicated dynamics of her upbringing, particularly
her relationships with her family, serve as the heart of the story.
The narrative follows Alex from four years old through young adulthood. Her mother and aunt provide her with seemingly diametrically opposed role models to follow, but she must accept them both and find her own path into adulthood. “When Women Were Dragons” is a character-driven story that looks at the complexity of life choices, the dangers of pushing against the status quo, and the challenges everyone must face to find meaning in life.
“When Women Were Dragons” should appeal to readers of historical fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism and stories that challenge the status quo. Visit wcls.org to find “When Women Were Dragons” and other similarly themed stories.
“When Women Were Dragons” is the March selection for the Books and Bites book group. Join
Books and Bites at Blaine
at 1 p.m. Friday, March 21 for a time of community and lively conversation.
Public Library
Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of the Blaine Public Library.
s Governor Bob Ferguson.
Photo by Juan Jocom
s Blaine Public Library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz holds “When Women Were Dragons.” Courtesy photo
sheriff’s repOrts
March 1, 12:30 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Loomis Trail Road.
March 1, 8:56 a.m.: Theft cold call on Harvey Road.
March 1, 10:53 a.m.: Serve warrant on East Street.
March 1, 1:18 p.m.: Theft on Anderson Road.
March 1, 3:05 p.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Bay Road.
March 2, 9:10 a.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Blaine and Birch Bay Lynden roads.
March 2, 2:13 p.m.: Moving vehicle injury on Loomis Trail and Kickerville roads.
March 2, 4:42 p.m.: Civil problem on Loomis Trail Road.
March 2, 9:24 p.m.: Serve warrant on Birch Terrace Drive.
March 3, 10:48 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Comox Loop.
March 3, 2:14 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Harbor Drive.
March 4, 11:43 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Gemini Street.
March 4, 3:24 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Grouse Crescent Drive.
March 4, 3:35 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Blaine Road.
March 4, 8:42 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Mitchell Avenue.
March 5, 6:39 a.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
March 5, 7:50 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Bay Ridge Drive.
March 5, 3:25 p.m.: Suspicious
vehicle cold call on Tidal Way. March 5, 6:11 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Blaine Road.
March 6, 11:06 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
March 6, 1:18 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Square Street.
March 6, 1:46 p.m.: Drugs cold call on Grandview Road.
pOLiCe repOrts
March 1, 4:37 a.m.: Suspicious person on 9th Street.
March 1, 9:07 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Evans Drive.
March 2, 2:38 p.m.: Missing person on H Street.
March 3, 3:45 p.m.: Vandalism on Peace Portal Drive.
March 4, 9:02 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Peace Portal Drive.
March 4, 10:22 a.m.: Harassment on 15th Street.
March 4, 6:01 p.m.: Suspicious person on Semiahmoo Parkway.
March 5, 5:39 a.m.: Suicidal subject on 10th Street.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Unsheared sheep 5. Rock TV channel 8. Streetcar 12. Concerning 14. Expression of recognition 15. Greek goddess of youth 16. An iPad is one 18. Adult beverage 19. Manning and Wallach are two 20. Makes a petty verbal attack 21. Tyrion Lannister’s nickname 22. Pointed ends of pens 23. Wristwatches 26. Body part 30. Made a mistake 31. Adjusted 32. Turkish honorific title 33. Yell 34. Historic Alabama city 39. Cub 42. Type of sea bass dish 44. To call (archaic) 46. Unfortunate 47. Separate oneself from others 49. Hero sandwiches
50. Former OSS 51. Open spaces in a forest 56. Innermost brain membranes 57. Fortune 58. Hunting expedition 59. Doomed queen Boleyn 60. Peyton’s little brother 61. Type of wrap 62. Scottish tax 63. Soviet Socialist Republic 64. An increase in price or value DOWN 1. Works of body art 2. Abba __, Israeli politician 3. A desert in Asia 4. Eat greedily 5. Doomed French queen 6. Beat 7. One who survives on blood 8. As a consequence 9. Counted on 10. Acquired Brain Injury Behavior Science 11. Unclean
13. One who does not drink 17. Wild ox of the Malay Archipelago 24. __ student, learns healing 25. Bacterial skin infection 26. Expresses surprise 27. What one says on a wedding day 28. Crony 29. Where you entered the world (abbr.)
35. Unit of length 36. Side that is sheltered from the wind 37. More (Spanish) 38. Autonomic nervous system 40. Violent troublemakers, originally in Paris 41. Statements that something is untrue 42. Greek alphabet letter 43. Suspends from above 44. Popular types of cigars 45. Girls 47. U.S. philosopher and logician
Coming up
Hadestown Musical Performance: Thursday–Saturday, March 13–15, 7 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Art Center. Blaine High School students perform . Tickets $12; staff, students, seniors, military $10.
Live Music at Packers: Thursday, March 13, 6–8 p.m., Packers Kitchen + Bar, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Featuring Alex Britton. Info: Semiahmoo.com.
What’s Next: Resources as We Age: Friday, March 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Informative resource fair for older adults in our community. Free and open to all. Info: 360/733-4030 or whatcomcoa.org.
March 5, 12:11 p.m.: Drugs on H Street.
March 5, 6:21 p.m.: Juvenile problem on 9th Street.
March 6, 11:29 a.m.: Trouble with subject on Peace Portal Drive.
March 6, 12:23 p.m.: Drugs on H Street.
March 6, 2:32 p.m.: Theft on Semiahmoo Parkway.
March 7, 4:30 p.m.: Shots on H Street Road.
March 7, 7:47 p.m.: Hit and run on Martin Street.
March 7, 8:48 p.m.: DUI arrest on Bell Road.
48. Nocturnal hoofed animal 49. Relaxing spaces 52. From a distance 53. Form of Persian 54. Amounts of time 55. Trigonometric function
tides
March 13 - 19 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Art and Craft of Writing with Erica Bauermeister: Friday, March 14, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th Street, Bellingham. Gain insight into the writing process as Erica Bauermeister discusses the art and craft of writing. Free. For all experience levels or anyone interested in the craft of writing. Space is limited; registration is required at whatcomreads.org.
Live Music at Packers: Friday, March 14, 6–8 p.m., Packers Kitchen + Bar, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Featuring Charlie Partin. Info: Semiahmoo.com.
An Evening with Erica Bauermeister and Friends: Friday, March 14, 7–9 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Following her lecture, Whatcom Reads author Erica Bauermeister will answer audience questions and sign books. Free. Tickets required at: bit.ly/3D7fJKp. Info: whatcomreads.org.
Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival: Friday–Sunday, March 14–16. Guided birding field trips, artist reception, bird viewing stations, nature walks, and more. Info and full schedule: wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.
Wings Over Water Festival Opening and Artist Reception: Friday, March 14, 6–9 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy a catered dinner and no-host wine and beer. Meet this year’s featured artist, Forrest Chel Art, plus silent auction. Tickets $35, space is limited. Preregistration recommended at: bit.ly/3F1ZgHM. Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival: Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham. Exhibits, vendors, live performances and interactive workshops. All ages. Free. Info: alliedarts.org.
Kid’s Nest Box Building: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. until supplies run out, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Kids build a bird box as part of Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. No registration required. Sponsored by Pacific Building Center. Community Volunteer Days: Saturday, March 15 and 29, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Skallman Dog Park, 1200 Yew Avenue. Brilliant Planet, a youth non profit is partnering with Blaine’s public works department for volunteer opportunities for youth to engage with the community. Parents and grandparents welcome to help. Info: brilliantplanet.org.
Whatcom County Wedding Showcase: Saturday, March 15, 10. a.m.–5 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Visit with wedding vendors, walkthrough fashion show, gift bags to first 100 attendees, drawings. $7. Info and tickets: https://whatcomshowcase.com/events.
Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Purchase native plants for your spring projects. Online pre orders available. Info: whatcomcd.org/ native-plant-sale.
42nd Legislative District Town Hall: Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m., Ferndale High School auditorium, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive, Ferndale. State senator Sharon Shewmake, and representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons give mid-session updates, discuss education, discuss future work and answering questions.
A Conversation with Erica Bauermeister: Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m.–noon. Online. Join a lively virtual conversation between Whatcom Reads author, Erica Bauermeister, and Katie Bray, librarian with Bellingham Public Library. Registration required at: wcls. libcal.com/event/13457549. Info: whatcomreads.org.
Tidepool Exploration: Saturday, March 15, 11 am. Meet in Semiahmoo Resort lobby, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free.
Blaine LOL 101 - Jokes for Kids: Saturday, March 15, 2–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Kids learn about how to write hilarious jokes and how to tell them with side-splitting style. We’ll dig into the elements of what makes a good joke, figure out how to milk them for big laughs and finish with a comedy club open mic. Come to practice or just guffaw. Info: wcls.org.
Supper With the Superintendent: Monday, March 17, 6 p.m., Blaine School District boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. The community is invited to a questions and answer meeting with Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 3 to 9, 1.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The year-to-date precipitation is 7.5 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 54.2°F on March 5, with a low of 29.7°F on March 6. Average high was 53°F and average low was 37°F.
Birch Bay Chamber Member Luncheon: Thursday, March 20, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Lions Camp Horizon theater building, 7506 Gemini Street. Speaker: Sacha Sanguinetti, Birch Bay Chamber event coordinator, discussing the 2025 event schedule and information on the Polar Bear Plunge record attempt. Registration: birchbaychamber.com.
Kokedama Plant Workshop: Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Explore the unconventional free form growing practice of kokedama. Participants will create their own kokedama using epiphytic plants, discuss which plants are best suited for growing without a pot, and chat about caring for and maintaining kokedama. All materials provided. Info and registration: wcls.org.
Packers Kitchen + Bar: Seafood, stunning views and a local vision
B y Z e N h ill
Packers Kitchen + Bar in the Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa features bay views and delicious eats on Semiahmoo Spit.
Located in the upscale resort, Packers focuses on seafood, with prawns, cod and clams on the menu. Offerings also include steak, soup, salad, burgers and pizza at the restaurant, located at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway.
“You just fall in love with this place,” executive chef Debbie
Vance said. “It’s a comfortable place to sit and get lost in the scenery while having a really great meal.”
Vance, who began working for Semiahmoo Resort last August, is building upon Packers’ locally based and seasonal menu. The fish they serve changes based on what is in season, with steelhead trout being the latest dish served from the kitchen, and Vance has made an effort to connect with local farmers.
“If it’s not growing or swimming, then it’s not going to be on the menu,” Vance said. “We like to
know where our food comes from.”
The restaurant also has an extensive list of events coming up, which includes a wine dinner on April 10, buffets for Easter and Mother’s Day, and paint-and-sip events on April 18 and May 11.
Vance joined Semiahmoo Resort from Tennessee, where she was chef at the Hilton Knoxville hotel. Before that, she was executive chef at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which is part of an amusement park co-owned by Dolly Parton in Tennessee.
“That was the busiest and most heavy volume I’ve ever done,” Vance said of the resort. “We were completely busy every day of the year.”
Vance’s passion for cooking was ignited by her brother, who went to culinary school and taught her what he learned. She joined her first kitchen at a Lake Tahoe ski resort in 2006, but it wasn’t until she returned from a brief stint on the east coast, where she’s from, that her passion for food took off. Her love for cooking has also taken her to Portland, when its culi-
nary scene was taking off, to golf courses in Florida.
As for her time at Semiahmoo, Vance said local support sustains the resort’s restaurants.
“If you live in a town and you have local support, that’s about as good as it gets,” Vance said.
Restaurant recommendation: Vance recommends readers try the new steelhead trout dish with romesco sauce.
This article is part of a series in The Northern Light highlighting Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants.
Great Blue Heron Grill is a hole-in-one at Semiahmoo Resort
B y Z e N h ill
Great Blue Heron Grill is a cozy dining restaurant serving comfort meals next to the driving range at Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa.
Semiahmoo Resort executive sous chef Kelly Stanley spends most of her time at Great Blue Heron Grill, at 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway, creating a dynamic menu that is locally sourced and seasonal.
“We have to keep it fresh because a lot of our clientele live in the neigh-
borhood, and they’re members of the golf course,” Stanley said. “They’re here, two, sometimes three nights a week, so they need variety.”
The menu features classic dishes like steak, various seafood, soup, salad, burgers and Sunday brunch. Ingredients are sourced from the Puget Sound Food Hub Cooperative, Spotted Owl Farm, Slack Tide Fisheries and Lummi Seafood Market.
“I try to purchase as much as I can as close as possible,” Stanley
said. “If it’s in season and it’s from right here, then you know it’s fresh.”
Stanley is a veteran resort employee, joining as a line cook for Packers Kitchen + Bar when the resort reopened more than a decade ago.
“When the resort first reopened 12 years ago, we opened the kitchen with five cooks,” Stanley said. “There was a three-week period where I lived at the hotel because I was working so much.”
Stanley joined Semiahmoo Resort after receiving her associate
degree in culinary arts from Bellingham Technical College. She moved to Whatcom County from the Bay Area 19 years ago.
The restaurant is open to the public in addition to golf club members.
Great Blue Heron Grill has collaborated with the community by partnering with Blaine High School to host an upcoming comedy night on Saturday, March 29. They host trivia twice a month and are having a chef’s table event on Thursday, March 27.
Stanley hopes that more Blaine
and Birch Bay residents will venture to Great Blue Heron
to try their high-quality meals.
“I’m really proud of our food,” Stanley said. “The only reason that I do it is because I love to cook and I love to feed people.”
Restaurant recommendation: Stanley recommends readers try the chicken pot pie or the prime rib, which is served every Wednesday.
This article is part of a series in The Northern Light highlighting Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants.
Grill
s Kelly Stanley stands inside of Great Blue Heron Grill at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on March 10. Stanley has been the executive sous chef for Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa for two years. Photo by Zen Hill
s The chicken pot pie from Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Photo by Zen Hill
s Debbie Vance stands inside Packers Kitchen + Bar at Semiahmoo Resort on March 7. Vance became the executive chef of Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa in August. Photo by Zen Hill
s The steelhead trout dish served with romesco sauce and lentil salad at Packers Kitchen + Bar inside Semiahmoo Resort. Photo by Zen Hill
