All4One: Club focuses on inclusivity, engagement

Continued from A1 we really wanted it to be inclusive and accessible,” Harrington said. “We wanted people to hear and associate this idea that, ‘Oh, I could be a part of that/’ at was really important to me that no one felt left out.” e group began during the pandemic with just Harrington’s family and a few people in their bubble, taking place outside for safety.

It was intentionally started at this time to try to help these kids nd opportunities to be engaged and learn, Harrington said.

Now, the club is still thriving and growing allowing kids to explore a variety of interests.

Harrington said they structure the club by having a schedule for what they will focus on each month, allowing the kids to decide what they want to explore.

Whether it be working with chickens or diving into a topic like pollination.

“ ey pick the project they want to look into,” Harrington said. “So like this month we are going to look at pollinators. So we are going to explore that topic.”

Harrington is a big believer in the power of 4-H to help kids develop a sense of con dence, and it’s easy to see why. Look no further than her daughter, Cassandra Statzel, age 10, who is already taking on leadership roles within the organization and con dently presenting her work to judges during competitions.

Statzel will happily go on and on about her passion for 4-H when asked, a great example of how the program helps kids develop their interests and build con dence.

“I make new friends and try new things. I can lose and it’s ok. Not everyone wins,” Statzel said.

“4-H is welcoming. ey don’t care if you’re big or small and they have lots of fun activities. Like knitting or chickens … Everyone should join 4-H. Especially All4One, One4H! We are so welcoming. Come have fun with us.”

A favorite memory of Harringtons, and one that inspired her to get more involved in 4-H, is of watching her daughter pushing her chicken around on a stroller at the fair to show it o to everyone there.

She was only in kindergarten at the time. Statzel had named her chicken Darkness and plopped her feathered friend in a stroller to parade around the chicken barn, introducing the chicken to everyone she could.

And this is just one example of the con dence Harrington sees kids nd through this program.

“ is has been a really fun place to watch kids grow,” Harrington said. “ ey want to be taken seriously and have a chance to show that o to the world.” seeing kids grow and develop a sense of con dence. rough this position, she has been able to watch this happen plenty of times.

-- Contact Sarah McCauley at sarah@lyndentribune.com.

Kids all over Ferndale, Lynden and Nooksack Valley are developing their own sense of con dence and leadership skills. Williams credits this to the program’s ability to provide a nurturing space to try new things.

“It’s all about making the space for them to try things,” Williams said. “Because a lot of times we self-limit as people. We are afraid to fail. We’re afraid that if we try and we don’t do a good job at it, it’s not enough. 4-H truly encourages that. We try the thing, it’s okay to fail at the thing. We come back, we look at what went wrong the rst time and we take that and create new skills to master it. It’s a work in progress and it’s a safe place to do that.”

-- Contact Sarah McCauley at sarah@lyndentribune. com.

Mondays Everson Senior Center

Gather Mondays at the Everson Senior Center, 111 W. Main St., from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. At 9:30 a.m., join us for co ee and conversation, cards, cribbage, pool and puzzles. At 11 a.m. is exercise time, then at noon is lunch, either inside dining or take home your hot meal (by donation ages 60-plus). Call 360-966-3144 for more information.

Through April 29

RARE: Recycled Arts

Resource Expo

Allied Arts, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, will hold the 11th annual Recycled Arts Resource Expo – RARE – from April 7-29. This year, RARE is an event that highlights creative reuse in the form of art through an exhibit at our Allied Arts Gallery, and a virtual gallery atalliedarts.org. RARE also promotes art organizations and facilities that incorporate sustainability in their facilities and programs.

Attendees are inspired to take home innovative ideas that recognize the value of using resources creatively.

Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community. Email kelly@alliedarts. org for more information.

Through May 7

Disney’s My Son Pinocchio at The Claire Disney’s My Son Pinocchio, Geppetto’s Musical Tale at The Claire Theater, April 20-May 7. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. April 20-22,

April 27-29 and May 4-6.

Matinees are at 2 p.m.

April 23, April 30 and May 7. The Claire Theater is at 655 Front St., Lynden. Cost is $15 for adults; $13 for students (ages 10-22) and seniors (62 and older); $11 for children (ages 3-9).

To purchase tickets, visit TheClaire.org, call the box o ce at (360) 354-4425, or email TheClaireBoxOffice@gmail.com.

April 26

Tourism as an Economic Driver Bellingham City Club welcomes the new director and president of the Bellingham/Whatcom Tourism Board, Dylan Deane-Boyle for its Wednesday, April 26 online zoom meeting beginning at noon. To register for this free educational meeting at bellinghamcityclub.org.

April 27

Birthday Party

Did your birthday occur in April? Lynden Community/Senior Center would like to celebrate you on Thursday, April 27 from 12:30-1 p.m. After lunch is a special dessert and time for celebration. Lynden Community/Senior Center celebrate birthdays on the last Thursday of the month, so make sure to participate when it’s your birthday. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org.

April 28-May 13

Cornerstone Christian School Plant Sale

Cornerstone Christian School Plant Sale is 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturdays April 28-May 13. Find a great selection of plants for your yard. We will have annuals, perennials, hang- ing baskets, and vegetable starts. Visitccsplantsale. com to see what will be available.

April 28

Young Authors Conference

From 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. April 28, Central Elementary School will host a Young Authors Conference.Present will be Lummi storyteller Cynthia Wilson, published children’s author Kjersten Hayes, and numerous other workshop leaders.There will be assemblies and workshops, including bookmaking, poetry writing, and storytelling.This is the first time Central Elementary School has been able to have this event since the pandemic. For more information, or if you’d like to lead a workshop, contact Laura Boynton at 360-3839617 orLaura.Boynton@ ferndalesd.org.

April 29

Free Swing Dance Ferndale Arts Commission hosts free swing dance from 6-9 p.m. April 29 at Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St. Swing dancing lessons are from 6-7 p.m. for anyone who need a little instruction. Dance is from 7-9 p.m. Dress up or dress down. No pressure to look the part. Just come and have fun. Local big band Swing Connection will provide live music. Bottled water and light snacks provided, all courtesy of your Ferndale Arts Commission.

May 3

Birchwood Garden Club meeting

From 7-9 p.m. May 3, the Birchwood Garden Club will meet at the Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St.. Bellingham. Birchwood Garden Club member Ira Penn will give a presentation on hybridizing. Penn has been gardening for 72 years and is an experienced hybridizer. At the peak of his hybridizing e orts, Penn grew 5,000 seedlings in his Nashville, Tennessee garden. Friends are welcome. Visit birchwoodgardenclub.org. Join the club on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club. BGC membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County.

Kirk Dechert established his Farmers Insurance Agency six years ago on 2nd Avenue in downtown Ferndale next to Lenny’s Bike Shop. As a dedicated member of the Ferndale business community, he has served on the board of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and currently works with the Ferndale Downtown Association to help support a vibrant downtown district.

Kirk’s goal when entering the insurance business was to help people protect what mattered to them the most. He likes to say that insurance is the thing you buy that you hope you never have to use, but is invaluable for when you need it. His o ce can cover most types of insurance including homes, autos, life insurance, boats, motorcycles, and RVs.

Kirk also loves to help business owners protect their businesses. As a small business owner himself, he understands how hard it is to grow a business and how important it is to protect it. He takes great pride in giving solid advice to his clients as they manage risk. As one customer named Katie put it, “Where do I even begin? Kirk is very quick to respond, gives great advice and is eager to help. ank you, Kirk, for helping us nd the right coverage and save money!”

If you haven’t reviewed your insurance for a while and wonder if you are getting the coverage you need, give Kirk a call. He and his sta can review your current insurance and make recommendations.

Kirk’s o ce is open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

North Whatcom County municipal, county governments

Lynden City Council

Lynden City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and the third Monday of every month at the City Hall Annex, 205 Fourth St. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Visit lyndenwa. org for more information, including council agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.

Everson City Council

Everson City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthTuesday of each month at Everson City Hall, 111 W. Main St. Visit ci.everson.wa.us for meeting agendas or for more information.

Nooksack City Council

Nooksack City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Nooksack City Hall, 103 W. Madison St. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Visit cityofnooksack. com for meeting agendas or for more information.

Sumas City Council

Sumas City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthMonday of each month at Sumas City Hall, 433 Cherry St. Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month if needed. Other committees meet only as needed. Visit cityofsumas.com for meeting agendas or for more information.

Letters

An alternative to winner-take-all elections

Editor, Last November, the 42nd Legislative District, which includes most of Whatcom County, elected Democrats in the three state legislative races. e combined vote was 51%D-49%R.

e Democrats, with a slim vote majority, now hold all the 42nd District seats. e Republicans with almost half the vote hold none. e disconnect between votes cast and legislative representation is widespread

Where To Write

Federal President Joe Biden (D), The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania. Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500; Public comment desk, 202-456-1111; email form at whitehouse.gov/contact.

Website: joebiden.com.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D), 511 Hart Senate O ce Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-3441; Public comment form at cantwell.senate.gov/contact.

Website: cantwell.senate.gov.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D), 154 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-2621; Public comment email form at murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty; Website: murray.senate.gov.

nationally. Voters whose political preferences bene t from the disconnects are less likely to see a problem than those whose preferences don’t.

e disconnects, which can’t be entirely eliminated, are largely due to one or both of two factors: districts represented by a single legislator and winner-take-all elections. For a broader perspective on the lack of proportionality between voters and representation, imagine, for illustration purposes only, that the 42nd District has four representatives, not two, and has two senators, not one.

Suppose in this hypothetical district all candidates irrespective of party run for the four representative seats in a single election (no primary) - the top-four elected.

wa.gov/rule.

Representative Joe Timmons (D), JLOB 419, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600; Toll-free hotline: 800-562-6000, 360-7867854. Email: Joe.Timmons@ leg.wa.gov or public comment email at app.leg.wa.gov/ pbc/memberEmail/42/2. Or contact Legislative Assistant Hayden Jenkins at (360) 786-6854 or (360) 718-5299 or email Hayden.Jenkins@leg. wa.gov. Website: housedemocrats.wa.gov/timmons.

County

Candidates for the two senate seats run in a similar election - the top-two elected. Representation elected this way would probably be more proportional with voter preferences than we have now

A slim majority would be less likely to get most, perhaps all, representation. Also, a signi cant minority would be more likely to get at least some. is hypothetical scenario may be unworkable locally, but in many places it’s not. Portland, for example, recently voted to expand its city council from ve to 12 members, three from each of four districts elected by ranked-choice.

Although variations exist most modern democracies have legislatures based

See Letters on A6 whatcomcounty.us/3322/ Kathy-Kershner. Whatcom County Council Member Ben Elenbaas District 5 (Ferndale/Custer), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360778-5025; Email: BElenbaa@ co.whatcom.wa.us; Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/3321/Ben-Elenbaas.

98276, 360-966-2531. Mayor Kevin Hester kevin@cityofnooksack.com. Clerk/Treasurer Virginia Arnason, email: virginia@cityofnooksack.com.

Website: cityofnooksack.com. City of Sumas, 433 Cherry St./ P.O. Box 9 Sumas, WA 98295, 360-988-5711; Mayor Bruce Bosch, email: Bbosch@ cityofsumas.com. Finance Director Jennifer Bell, email: jbell@cityofsumas.com.

Ferndale

City Council

Ferndale City Council meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Ave. Visit cityo erndale. org for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

Whatcom County Council

Whatcom County Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. Suite 105, Bellingham. Visit whatcomcounty.us for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D), 2163 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-2605; Public comment email form at larsen. house.gov/contact. Website: larsen.house.gov.

State Governor Jay Inslee (D), O ce of the Governor, PO Box 40002, Olympia, WA 985040002, 360-902-4111; Public contact email form at governor.wa.gov/contact. Website: governor.wa.gov.

Senator Sharon Shewmake (D), 213 John A. Cherberg Building, PO Box 40442, Olympia, WA 98504, 800562-6000 or 360-305-0356; Public comment email at app. leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/42/2. Or email Legislative Assistant Sarah Soulliere atSarah.Soulliere@leg.wa.gov.

Website: senatedemocrats. wa.gov/Shewmake.

Representative Alicia Rule (D), JLOB 334, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 985040600, 360-746-3744; Public comment email at https://app. leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/42/1. Or email Legislative Assistant Rachel Campbell at Rachel.Campbell@leg.wa.gov.

Website: housedemocrats.

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, 311 Grand Ave. Suite 108, Bellingham, WA 98225-4082, 360-778-5200; Email: ssidhu@co.whatcom. wa.us. Website: https://www. whatcomcounty.us/415/ County-Executive.

Whatcom County Council Member Kaylee Galloway District 1, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-489-9192; Email: kgallowa@co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3862/KayleeGalloway.

Whatcom County Council Member Todd Donovan District 2, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-483-8474; Email: tdonovan@co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/2261/ToddDonovan-Council-Chair.

Whatcom County Council Member Tyler Bird District 3 (Everson, Nooksack Sumas), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-778-5021; Email: tbyrd@ co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: whatcomcounty.us/2769/ Tyler-Byrd.

Whatcom County Council Member Kathy Kershner District 4 (Lynden), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360220-7535; Email: KKershne@ co.whatcom.wa.us. Website:

Whatcom County Council Member Barry Buchanan At Large Position A, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-2244330; Email: bbuchanan@ co.whatcom.wa.us; Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/1975/Barry-Buchanan.

Whatcom County Council Member Carol Frazey At Large Position B, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-778-5024; Email: cfrazey@co.whatcom. wa.us; Website: https://www. whatcomcounty.us/2996/ Carol-Frazey.

North Whatcom Municipal City of Everson, 111 W. Main St./PO Box 315, Everson, WA 98247, 360-966-3411; Mayor John Perry, email: mayor@ci.everson.wa.us. City Clerk/Treasurer Melanie Dickinson, email: mdickinson@ ci.everson.wa.us. Website: ci.everson.wa.us. City of Ferndale, 2095 Main St./ P.O. Box 936 Ferndale, WA 98248, 360-3844302; Mayor Greg Hansen, 360-685-2350 ext. 1105, email greghansen@cityo erndale. org. City Administrator Jori Burnett, 360-685-2351 ext. 1104, email joriburnett@cityofferndale.org. Website: cityofferndale.org. City of Lynden, 300 4th St. Lynden, WA 98264, 360-354-1170; Mayor Scott Korthuis, email korthuiss@ lyndenwa.org; City Administrator John Williams, email williamsj@lyndenwa.org.

City of Nooksack, 103 W Madison St, Nooksack, WA

North Whatcom Public education Blaine School District, 765 H St., Blaine, WA 98230, 360-332-5881. Superintendent Christopher Granger, email: cgranger@ blainesd.org. Website: blainesd.org. Ferndale School District, 6041 Vista Drive/P.O. Box 698 Ferndale, WA 98248, 360-3839200. Superintendent Kristi Dominguez, 360-386-9207, email: Kristi.Dominguez@ ferndalesd.org. Website: ferndalesd.org.

Lynden School District, 516 Main St., Lynden, WA 98264, 360-354-4443. Superintendent David VanderYacht, 360-354-4443 ext. 3414, email: vanderyachtd@lynden. wednet.edu. Website: lynden. wednet.edu.

Meridian School District, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360-3987111. Superintendent James Everett, email: jeverett@ meridian.wednet.edu. Website: meridian.wednet.edu

Mount Baker School District, 4956 Deming Road/P.O. Box 95 Deming, WA 98244, 360-383-2000. Superintendent Mary Sewright, 360-6174600, msewright@mtbaker. wednet.edu. Website: mtbaker. wednet.edu.

Nooksack Valley School District, 3326 E. Badger Road, Everson, WA 98247, 360-9884754. Superintendent Matt Galley, email: matt.galley@ nv.k12.wa.us. Website: nv.k12. wa.us.

Frances TerWisscha

Frances TerWisscha passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Christian Health Care Center. She was 91 years old. e Graveside Committal will be at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a noon Memorial Service at Faith Community Church, Lynden.

Frances was born on Sept. 14, 1931, in Sioux Center Iowa, to John and Ju-

Glenn Ellis McGuire

lia (Hollander) Vreeman. She attended school thru the 8th grade. While living on the family farm, Frances met Gerald TerWisscha. ey got married in her parents’ house in Murdock, MN on June 8, 1951.

In 1952, Frances and Gerald moved to Lynden. ey eventually owned and operated Community Farm Service until 1978, where Fran was the bookkeeper. She was a fantastic homemaker, always baking goodies, canning fruits and vegetables, keeping a nice home and welcoming friends and family.

Fran and Gerald were members of Faith Community Church in Lynden. ey enjoyed traveling, gol ng, shing and wintering in Arizona.

Surrounded by family, Glenn Ellis McGuire was led to glory as Jesus took his hand, April 12. Glenn was born in Freemont, NE Sept 9, 1929 to Ellis and Pearl McGuire. He was the 3rd child to siblings Joyce, Jacqueline, Jerry and Judy. In 1930, he moved with his family to Lynden WA. He grew up enjoying football, track, hunting, and singing in the sextet in high school. After graduating in 1948 he attended WWU where he met his bride, Wilma Jean Schepper. ey

Betty May Tawes

Betty May Tawes was born to parents Walter and Fronia Brighton on Jan. 26, 1926 in Van Zandt, Washington. She passed away in Bellingham on April 13, 2023. Betty grew up in Bellingham, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart

Alan Moore

Shortly after her 50th wedding anniversary Gerald died, and for the last 20 years Fran has dealt with many health issues. She handled these issues with God’s help and grace. Fran was very gracious and never complained. Fran resided at the Christian Health Care Center for the last four years. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, and friends. She especially enjoyed socializing and hymn sings. She made many friends, both residents and sta . We appreciate all the care and encouragement she received.

Frances is survived by her children Larry (Barb) TerWisscha of Marysville, Dale (Marlene) TerWisscha of Everson, Diane (Arnie) Houg of Lynden, and Pam were married in in Seattle in 1953. ey had 3 children, John, Jacqueline and James. Glenn continued his love for sports and spent many hours coaching his boys in Pop Warner football, Little League baseball and assisting in scouts. e family has many memories of camping, shing and traveling. Glenn enjoyed hunting and golf and was always ready for a game of cards. His interest in the history of antiques drew him and Jean into the business of doing Antiques Shows throughout the country. It became the “fun of the hunt” for over 30 years. He and Jean volunteered their time at the Lynden Pioneer Museum and worked many years at the North-

Robert Tawes in 1944. ey went on to have three sons, and were married until Robert passed in 2000. Busy with starting a family, Betty wasn’t able to graduate high school with her class, something she always regretted. So, she decided to remedy that, and 72 years later Betty walked at graduation and got her diploma from Bellingham High school at age 90. Betty was so proud, and gave the advice to

Alan H. Moore, born Jan 29, 1938 in Providence, RI to Robert and Dorothy (Angel) Moore and lovingly raised by Beverley Moore from the age 6, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023 in Blacksburg, SC. He married Fay E. Kornemann in 1965

Linda Grace Kredit

On April 22, 2023, Linda Grace Kredit went home to her Lord and Savior. She was born July 8, 1941, in Hull, Iowa to William

“Bill” and Grace (Van Roekel) Vander Kooi. Her family moved to Alameda, California, where her dad worked in the lumber yards and her mom was a teacher at Alameda Christian School. After graduating from Alameda High School, she attended Calvin College graduating in 1963 with degrees in History and Political Science and earning a teaching certi cate. On August 20, 1965, she married Harlan Kredit in Alameda. She taught fth grade at Grandville Christian School and later, Hudsonville Christian School. In 1974, Linda and Harlan moved to Lynden, WA and became members of ird Christian Reformed Church. Linda taught PE at Lynden Christian Middle School for many years before her nal retirement. Linda enjoyed following the lives and stories of her former students.

Linda’s greatest joys were her grandchildren. She enjoyed caring for them in their youngest years, visiting with them as they grew up, baking with her granddaughters and watching her grandsons’ athletic and music events. She was known to spoil each grandchild with a special gift from west WA Fair. Glenn’s military career lasted 21 yrs. with the Air Force and Army earning him many outstanding awards and recognitions. He retired as Army Chief Warrant O cer in 1970. He worked an additional 15 yrs. at the Pentagon as a Systems Analyst in computer management, retiring in 1986. After traveling extensively for 2 years they settled in Lynden, becoming snowbirds to AZ for 24 years. Glenn loved the Lord, serving with his wife at Lynden United Methodist church and Gila Mt. United Methodist church in Yuma. He was a very compassionate, giving and caring person. Survivors include his wife Jean, sons John (Margaret), James and daughter Jacqueline, grandsons Ryan, Kevin (Kaity), Eddie McGuire, Tyler Reedus, granddaughters Jessica McGuire, Stephanie (Je ) Killin, seven great grandchildren, brotherin-law Peter (Betty) Schipper, sisterin-law Sue Schipper and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased include granddaughter Michelle McGuire, brother Jerry, sisters Joyce, Judy and Jacqueline. Burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery May 11th at 2:30, followed by a Memorial at Lynden United Methodist church May 13th at 2:00. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made at hospice or the Lynden United Methodist Church. her graduating class of 2017 to “Never give up on your dreams”. Some favorite memories of family and friends of Betty include family gatherings, salmon BBQs, reworks, and cowpies. She loved puzzles, knitting, playing ‘rich little piggies’, cards with ‘little Bill’, and rides with ‘the Taxi Driver’. She will be remembered for her love of frog gifts, especially one in particular from the mid-’70s; ‘Herkermer”. Betty’s family and friends will fondly remember traveling, camping with tele- in Bellingham, WA. ey later divorced in 1989. ey raised 2 children in Whatcom County, WA. He was a hard-working man who cared deeply for his family and had many friends. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1955 and retired as a 1st Class Petty O cer after 20 years. “Al” served during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to a few duty stations along with serving aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). He was so proud of his military service. Even after he retired, he loved talking about his time in the Navy. the many travels she and Harlan enjoyed together. She was an avid reader, enjoying the discussions in her long-standing book club and her faithful Bible study group. She shared her love of reading by buying many books for her grandchildren and sharing books from her ever-growing personal library.

(Rich) DeVries of Lynden; 15 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her siblings Marvin (Ruby) Vreeman of Willmar, MN, Joan (Rens) (Stan) Kroese of Sioux Center, IA, Marlys (Dale) VandeReit of Wahkon, MN, and John (Linda) Vreeman of Maple Grove, MN.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Gerald, grandson Joel DeVries, great grandson Macklen Peterson, and siblings Gerald, Dennis, Clayton, Gladys, and Dorothy. Memorials can be made to the Christian Health Care Center or your favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

When Linda and Harlan moved to Lynden, they built their home on Birch Street, a dead-end road that became its own amazing community; neighbors who became friends who became family.

Linda was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for the student athletes of Lynden Christian. She was frequently seen at the gym or eld, cheering for whichever LC team was playing and following them to many state tournaments over the years. Linda also enjoyed watching the Mariners, even in the “rebuilding” years.

For decades, Linda accompanied her husband to Yellowstone National Park during the summers. While Harlan worked, Linda developed lifelong friendships with wives and families of other rangers. We are grateful for those amazing relationships that have continued to the present time. She proudly raised her children in Yellowstone during the summertime, exposing them to a place that was very special to her and Harlan.

Linda had a playful and mischievous streak. Many have been on the receiving end of a card from her, that in some circles, might make one blush. She had a quick wit phone pioneers, window visits during covid with the Leverenz clan, how she was a constant in Sheri’s life, and dancing at the Elk’s club.

Betty leaves behind her son

Robert “Bobby’ Tawes Jr., niece

Patti Leverenz, granddaughter

Sheri Anne Tawes, grandsons

James Allen Tawes and Ryan

Bruce Tawes. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren; Kirisa Lee Ellis, Kaylen

Angus, Kenzie Angus, Devon

Caleb Tawes, Colby Lee Tawes and Briella Tawes. Betty is pre-

He never went anywhere without his Navy hat and always wore his USS Enterprise or Vietnam belt buckle.

He worked at Lynden Transport Inc., in Lynden, WA and Coastline Equipment in Bellingham, WA. He made many life-long friends at both businesses.

He loved his family, friends, serving in the Navy, NASCAR and taking care of his yard!

Surviving in addition to his wife Sandra of nearly 34 years are his two daughters Cheryl Jandzinski (Gary) and Amy Mar- and loved to joke. Linda was a loyal friend who loved her co ee time chats with dear friends solving the world’s problems, discussing current events, and debating politics. Linda enjoyed gardening, particularly growing dahlias, tomatoes, and blueberries in her garden. She loved traveling and has visited most of our National Parks with her husband and family.

Linda had a heart for service, was passionate about those who su ered or were outsiders, and wanted all to feel welcome. She was a Shepard at ird Christian Reformed Church providing support behind the scenes, frequently making treats for the Skate Church and providing meals for many. A sel ess servant, she preferred to serve quietly, not drawing attention to herself.

Preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, sister-in-law Clarice (Barry) Blankers, and brother-in-law Albert Van Dalfsen, she is survived by and deeply deceased by her sons John omas Tawes and Donald Tawes, and her brothers Everette, Donald and Robert Brighton. Betty lived life with strength and courage and is remembered as being strong willed, caring, sharp as a tack, and a woman who always spoke her mind. She will be dearly missed. A graveside service was held Monday, April 24, at Woodlawn cemetery in Ferndale at 11 a.m. Obituary also at Moles Farewell Tributes. kley and stepdaughter Harriett Stanford; two brothers, Robert Moore, Jr., and Scott Moore (Stacey); two sisters, Barbara Funk (Mike) and Terri Canty; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. loved by her husband of 57 years, Harlan; children, Tim (Lisa) Kredit, Kim (Micah) Moses, Karen (Chris) Rast; grandchildren, Eric, Rachel (Evan), Dylan, Tristan, Collin, Elaina and Madison; great-grandchildren Haylee, Olivia and Oaklyn; brother Ben (JoAnn) Vander Kooi of Redmond; sistersin-law Jean Van Dalfsen, Carolyn (Jim) Wynstra, Mavis (Harold) Terpstra, Eleanor (Bill) Reitkerk; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by an infant brother, Kent Moore, and a stepdaughter Katherine Jones. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements were entrusted to Blakely Funeral Home, Ga ney, SC.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday night, April 28, 6-8 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home. A family graveside service will be at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a celebration of Linda’s life on Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at the ird Christian Reformed Church in Lynden.

Memorials can be made in Linda’s name to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA, 98264. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Elenbaas to run for second term on County Council

WHATCOM — Ben Elenbaas announced on April 24 that he will run this year for a second term on the Whatcom County Council.

Elenbaas won the District 5 position in 2019 with 59% of the votes. District 5 includes Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts.

Elenbaas said that over the past four years on council that he’s “been a constant and strong voice for scal sanity and accountability.” “ is is even more important now with the permanent closure of Intalco, rising costs of food, gas and heat, and a recession becoming more likely,” Elenbaas said. “I’m also a strong advocate for public safety and to add positions to our Whatcom County Sheri ’s O ce. Public safety should be the overriding priority of local government.” Elenbaas is a fth-generation Whatcom farmer and has two decades of experience in the energy industry at Cherry Point. e

Custer resident graduated from Western Washington University, where he studied at Huxley College of the Environment. Elenbaas was chair of the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission, served on the Whatcom County Planning Commission, and served in leadership with both the Cattlemen’s Association and the Farm Bureau.

Elenbaas said a lack of realworld experience among elected o cials has led to poor decisions.

“We’ve made little progress with homelessness and a ordable housing, the agricultural and shing industries are struggling, and the Cherry Point companies vital to our economy remain under attack,” he said. “District 5 needs a proven leader with common sense.”

District 5 on County Council will be on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. For more information, visit elenbaas4council.com.

Demolition Derby returns to NWW Fair

LYNDEN — Join the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden for back-to-back nights of full contact, high adrenaline, demolition derby action, Aug. 10-11 for some unforgettable crashing and smashing demolition derby action. Tickets for the 7 p.m. Grandstand show go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 28. Grandstand reserved seats are $25 and preferred seats are $35. Tickets do not include gate admission, which is required. e Demo Derby is presented by Manna Insurance Group and is part of the Bank of the Paci c See Derby on A7