Ferndale Record February 22 2023

e e e i r a c c

Mentor program going strong in Ferndale Lynden, Nooksack. — Class Notes, B8

Sam Brulotte nishes in eighth place Saturday at Tacoma Dome. — Sports, B1

Man arrested for aiming gun at shoppers, police

BELLINGHAM — At approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, Bellingham resident Kelton T. Lane reportedly pointed a gun at several people, including a Bellingham police o cer, in a busy parking lot in the 4300 block of Meridian Street.

According to a Feb. 21 press release from the City of Bellingham, o cers tried to stop Lane, 27 “but he hid and moved between cars attempting to ee.”

O cers continued to pursue Lane on foot and took him into custody after they used “less lethal munitions to stop his ight.”

According to the City of Bellingham, o cers received a call earlier in the day about Lane “walking around the parking

lot near TJ MAXX, carrying a gun in his pocket.”

Lane reportedly stole merchandise from TJ MAXX but ed before o cers could contact him.

At 2:30 p.m., more calls came into 9-1-1 about Lane “brandishing the handgun in the air and at people in passing cars.” According to the City of Bellingham, o cers “got there and tried to stop Lane, telling him to put his hands up. However, he ed rather than comply.”

Lane reportedly ran “toward the stores in a heavily used parking lot armed with what appeared to be a handgun.”

O cers reportedly pursued him on foot and in police cars.

“At one point, Lane ran up to an occupied truck and pointed the handgun directly at the driver,” the City of Bellingham stated in the press release.

“ e driver, frightened for his life and believing he was about to be robbed of his truck, sped o to ag down police. One of the rst o cers into the area turned a corner and Lane was facing the o cer’s car with his arm locked out, aiming the rearm directly at the o cer.  Lane began running and hiding between parked cars. Ofcers pursued him on foot and, when able, deescalated this situation using a less lethal system to deploy drag stabilized exible batons at Lane and striking him.  is had the desired e ect of Lane dropping the

A ‘timeless message of sacrifice’

gun, getting on the ground, and complying with commands.”

Lane was taken into custody without further incident and taken to the hospital for treatment “as one of the exible batons re-injured a pre-existing wound he incurred from a previous incident with a different law enforcement agency,” the City of Bellingham stated,

Lane was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for rst-degree attempted robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, and obstructing law enforcement. He is being held without bail. e weapon recovered during this incident “was a realistic looking Sig Sauer airsoft gun,” the press release stated.

Experiment creates unforgettable experience for Lummi students

Lummi students reflect on project that recently returned from space

By Sarah McCauley Sta Reporter

FERNDALE — Last month, a project created by a crew of students from Lummi Nation’s STEAM program returned to earth after spending a couple of months on the International Space Station.

“It was kind of surreal cause I was like, man, it took like a whole year and a half,” said Tony Cline, an 11th grader who was part of the group. “We’re nally here now.”

Fellow 11th grader and member of the team, Serena-Jo Pantalia, added that she had a hard time believing it was real when their science teacher, Gary Brandt, told them they would be creating a project that would eventually make its way up to the ISS.

Ferndale High School theater department to perform Les Misérables Feb. 23-March 5

By Sarah McCauley Sta Reporter

FERNDALE — Get ready to be transported to 19th-century France on Feb. 23 when the Ferndale High School theater department premieres its latest production: Les Misérables.

Shows are at Ferndale High School auditorium, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and 7 p.m. on March 2-3, as well as two shows on March 5, a 1 p.m. matinee and an evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for students and seniors.

Les Misérables is a classic and impressive production with plenty of musical numbers that can easily make an audience tear-up due to the sad nature of the story, or in awe of the vocal abilities of the performers.

“It seemed like a good t for this year’s cast. It was time for an epic show,” said Chrissy Ford, theater director for Ferndale Schools. “ e timeless message of sacrice and redemption is always beautiful.”

Watch as these students tell the story

of Jean Valjean, trying to redeem himself and recreate his life after spending 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread.

Here are some thoughts on the theater and this ambitious production, directly from the performer’s themselves. Plus, a look at what happened behind the scenes:

• “I love the people and the family they have become,” said Josiah Fox, a senior playing Jean Valjean. “I’ve enjoyed seeing

the younger people really give their all for this show.”

• “ e actual performance is so exhilarating,” said Helena Somers, a senior playing a lovely lady and Parisian woman. “It’s a high that can’t be matched. Especially when dancing.”

• “[I like] the community, the friends

“We didn’t believe him,” Pantalia said. “We’re like, there’s no way this is going to space.”

e experiment was that seeds from a devil’s club plant were introduced to distilled water in microgravity in order to observe if the seeds will germinate and sprout in that environment. is will show whether the plant has the ability to grow fully in microgravity, Brandt explained before the experiment.

Dominic Solomon, another team member, also in the 11th grade, said the idea came to him during a cultural weaving class.

“We had cultural weaving class and we carved devil’s club beads to make necklaces. And I think I had a few shavings in my pocket and I just took it out, put it on the desk,” Solomon said. “And I think Keyonee [11th grader Keyonee Morris, part of the team] said what about those and we thought about it and it was kind of a pretty good idea because it had some cultural values.”

e project was originally supposed to go up into space in July 2022, but for various reasons it was pushed to November 2022. It stayed in space until it came back down on Jan. 19.

Ferndale High School’s theater department rehearses scenes from Les Misérables. Shows are at Ferndale High School auditorium, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and 7 p.m. on March 2-3, as well as two shows on March 5, a 1 p.m. matinee and an evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for students and seniors. (Sarah McCauley/Ferndale Record)

Art is more than a job for Lorna Libert

Art group meets each Wednesday to paint and to enjoy each others’s company

By Bill Helm Editor

WHATCOM — Acryl-

ics, oils, water colors. Canvas, wood board, recycled surfaces. At Lorna Libert’s home studio located in a woodsy area between Lynden and Bellingham, it doesn’t matter so much what artists work on, or work with. Because this group of ladies is there each Wednesday afternoon to paint — and to enjoy each other’s company.

Libert started painting with her artist friends on Wednesday afternoons back in 1999. At the time, they all met at Libert’s downtown studio.

“I was approached by a few wonderful ladies who had taken some of my previous classes and workshops,” Libert recalled. “ ey wanted to continue to paint with me. Over time, the group got bigger and the parking got more di cult, so I decided to invite them to my home. We’ve become a good group of friends who basically get together for three hours each week.”

In 1989, Libert earned her BFA, in 1990 an art education degree, and in 1997 an MFA. Looking back, Libert said she’s made art her entire life. However, she taught in New York’s public school system for two years before she realized the life of an artist, for her, meant a full commitment, the one in which a day job is more of a hurdle than a help.

“Teaching is more than a full-time job and I required time to create my own work,” Libert said. “So, risky as it seemed, I left

teaching, my steady salary, bene ts, retirement, and all that good stu .”

Since then, Libert has made a living as an artist, and in years past taught art at Whatcom Community College. Nowadays, Libert teaches art classes and workshops. “I walk from easel to easel o ering suggestions, answering questions, doing little demonstrations and encouraging each artist to discover her strengths in painting,” Libert said, “Currently, we have a group of all women. We have had a few (brave) men join in from time to time and that’s been wonderful. Because it takes place in my home, it’s not an open invitation to the public. It’s a very special thing and I must say that I truly look forward to Wednesdays.”

‘Loving this beautiful pastime’

Now 91 years old, Anne Gibert started drawing and painting when she was a child.

“Part of my childhood I lived with my aunt who was a painter and I grew up painting with her,” Gibert said. An art student in college, Gibert said she switched degrees to biology. After a career working jobs she didn’t particularly love, Gibert returned to art school at age 50, majored in printmaking.

“Going to art school was the best fun of my life,” Gibert said. “I still have a couple of printing presses in my studio, but I don’t use them much. Painting requires a lot less e ort than making prints. But I have been doing some painting since I was in art school.

A resident of Lummi Island, Gibert rst started painting with Libert more

than 10 years ago at Whatcom Community College (WCC).

“After that class I started painting at her house,” Gibert said. “I loved her as a teacher. She is always positive and encouraging and emphasizes her student’s best qualities in her critiques. She makes suggestions but doesn’t give orders. I love her work and admire her devotion to art. She paints all the time, even on airplanes or when she and her husband Jimmy are sailing. And she is kind, loving, cheerful and pretty. What more could you ask for in a teacher?

At a recent get-together of the artists group, Gibert was one of about 10 artists, Libert included, who were painting. Gibert was painting a picture of three goats that belong to one of her neighbors. Set in a landscape, horizontally, the 20inch by 20-inch canvas was not very large, she said, but it had “a lot of detail in it.”

“I wish I were painting

In the top photo, Lynden resident Linda Calkins, left, and Lummi Island resident Anne Gibert paint in Lorna Libert’s home studio in Bellingham. Libert has invited her art friends to her home Wednesdays since the group outgrew her downtown studio. In the photo above, Libert takes a break in her home studio. (Bill Helm/Ferndale Record)

Lummi: Students reflect on project that recently returned from space

Continued from A1

“[ e kids] started pulling it apart and seeing there wasn’t any great di erence. We also had a controlled experiment right here on the ground,” Brandt said.

“So, they duplicated the exact same thing that went up to space here on the ground [with] conditions as similar as possible.”

Brandt admits with a laugh that he was underwhelmed by the results. Both the controlled experiment and the experiment on the space station yielded similar results with the plant “barely sprouting.”

But Brandt and his crew of students were excited, nonetheless.

“I’m proud just to get it up there,” Solomon said.

Cline added that he didn’t expect a huge sprout, but had hoped for more like Brandt.

On top of being able to say he was part of creating a project that was sent into space, Cline can add to the list getting to speak in real time with an astronaut on the ISS. Cline was invited to the University of Washington on Feb. 10 for a video call with the astronaut who helped with their experiment. Brandt said Cline got to ask the astronaut a question.

When asked about the experience, Cline explains

that he wishes he had asked a di erent question. As the group’s creative writer, he would have liked to ask, “something more philosophical.” He had been given one to ask by the team for the sake of inclusion and time.

While the talk with the astronaut was only for some of the students, the entire group of nine students involved with the project were able to travel to Florida to experience the Space Kennedy Center in June of 2022 along with ve chaperones.

It’s an experience that the students seem almost equally excited about as the fact they created something that went into space. And it’s easy to understand why. For many students it was their rst time traveling so far away, experiencing a sense of independence and freedom.

“I thought it was really fun. At rst I was like, I don’t want to go somewhere with my classmates for that long, but it was actually pretty fun,” Pantalia said. “We got to do a lot. We weren’t speci cally there just to be there for school. ey also let us go to the beach and do all sorts of stu .”

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

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Now located just north of the Grandview & Portal Way interchange in the Grandview Business Park, they’ve become your one-stop destination for tires and tire services in Ferndale. eir shop is dedicated to the satisfaction of their customers by making sure you get the best value for your money. Ray and his technician, Travis, o er optimal service, quality parts, and products at a ordable prices.

Here you can nd a wide variety from trusted names like Michelin, Ironman, Continental, BF Goodrich and more for your normal everyday vehicles, as well as tires for ATVs, UTVs, semi-trucks and three pieces.

On top of that, they o er automotive maintenance to keep your vehicle running as it should with tire services, wheel services and TPMS system services. ere are also Lift Kits and Lowering Kits.

Amenities include free EV charging and great conversation while you wait.

NW Custom Wheel is open Monday through Friday 9-6 PM and Saturdays 9-5 PM. Call 360-441-7795 for an appointment or schedule one via www.nwcustomwheel.com

UPF: Building a world of peace

e Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation and prosperity.

UPF recognizes 5 Principles for Peace:

• We are one family under God.

• e highest qualities of human beings are spiritual and moral in nature.

• e family is the school of love and the cornerstone for world peace.

Larry Krishnek

• By practicing the ethics of living for the sake of others we can reconcile the divided human family.

• Lasting peace cannot be achieved through political compromise alone but must involve a commitment to personal

LETTERS

Everyone deserves a safe community

Editor, e Riveters Collective Justice System Committee believes that everyone deserves a safe community, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, or their income. We can have that without excessive punishment, excessive policing, our rights rolled back, or fear mongering.

Recently-passed state laws reforming police standards and drug policy work. Fewer Washingtonians lose their lives to police violence or get cycled through the criminal legal system over substance use.

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.

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.

change. Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon founded UPF in September 2005.

In the years since, UPF has grown to form a global network of Peacemakers that includes parliamentarians, heads of state, rst ladies, academicians, leaders of religions, the media, business, art and culture.

UPF has been active in Whatcom County for the past 17 years. Our early work centered on the Ambassador of Peace project.

An ambassador for peace is someone who is recognized for showing strong leadership qualities in their sphere of activity. ey also a rm UPF’s vision and principles of peace, exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and transcend racial, national and religious barriers.

ese are causes for celebration, not a return to failed policies.

Decades of research show tough-oncrime approaches fail to keep people safe, and further criminalize communities.

Our current punitive tra c enforcement methods impact people of color and lowincome families the hardest, hitting many with nancial burden for low-risk issues. None of this improves safety on the roads, the real issue.

HB 1513 creates a grant program to help drivers address vehicle equipment problems and prevents o cers from making stops for low-level issues, such as broken tail lights or expired tabs. e bill will lead to fewer interactions between the public and law enforcement, which

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

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 Coun-

cil 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:

On Feb. 4, at the Ferndale Public Library, UPF convened a conference on religious liberty titled Religious Freedom: e Bedrock of All Freedoms. Speakers addressed the importance of the American commitment to religious expression as an inalienable right that must be understood and protected to assure all freedoms are secure.  Other speakers reported on the plight of religious minorities in China as well as dark incidents in our own American experience.   e program concluded with a water ceremony in which the presenters and faith leaders poured water into a common bowl representing unity and our commitment to religious freedom. We also signed a statement of a rmation and commitment to be vigilant and active in protecting religious freedom.

-- Larry Krishnek is director of United Peace Federation for Whatcom County

disproportionately impact people of color, who, more often than white drivers, are stopped and subjected to tra c fees.

Low-risk tra c stops are ine ective at preventing tra c accidents or ghting crime, and have escalated to violent encounters that put drivers and law enforcement at high risk of injury or death. Expired tabs aren’t the cause of deadly tra c accidents. Time wasted enforcing them has public safety consequences and places people in a poverty trap.

HB 1513, the Tra c Safety for All bill, o ers drivers a path toward addressing car repairs in a way that doesn’t cause nancial burden or trap them in the criminal

See Letters on A6

North Whatcom County city government

Ferndale City Council

Ferndale City Council meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month (unless it’s a holiday, then they meet the Tuesday immediately after the Monday holiday). Meeting are currently held online. When in person, 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.

Lynden City Council

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.

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

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.

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.

Lynden City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and the third Mondays of every month. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Community members can join the virtual Lynden City Council meeting by visiting the City of Lynden website,lyndenwa.org,and selecting the link from the home page or the date of the meeting from the calendar. Community members have the option of joining through Microsoft teams or by calling in. Also visit lyndenwa.org for more information, including board 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 fourthTuesdays of each month at Everson City Hall, 111 W. Main St. Visit ci.everson.wa.us for the zoom link to attend virtually.

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 more information.

Sumas City Council

Sumas City Council meets online at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthMondays of each month. Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month if needed. Other committees meet only as needed.

Council meets at Sumas City Hall, 433 Cherry St. Visit cityofsumas.com for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

Jan Brown, jan@ferndalerecord.com

OBITUARIES

Lesli Marie Higginson

Lesli Marie Higginson died at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham on January 6, 2023 after bravely and stoically battling ovarian cancer for 4-1/2 years. She was 62.

Lesli was a 4th generation descendant of the Higginson pioneer family in Whatcom County on her father’s side and a 5th generation descendant of the Rosler pioneer family in San Juan County on her mother’s side.

Lesli was born September 16, 1960 in Seattle to William and Jean Marie Higginson. She joined older sisters Carla and Jaya. A younger sister Lisa arrived ve years later to complete the family.

Lesli graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1978 and went directly to

Nathaniel Luke Wielenga

Nate, amazing and loved son, brother, uncle, and nephew passed away on a clear, bright morning February 8th, 2023 in Bellingham.

Nate was born October 28th, 1993 in Bellingham to Gregg and Sheila Wielenga. He graduated from Lynden High School in 2012 where he was a two sport athlete in football and his rst love, basketball.

Nate lived a full life in his short time with us. As an athlete, he was privileged to be a part of multiple

Deanna Jean ‘Peach’ Brown

Deanna Jean Brown, known by everyone who loved her as Peach, peacefully passed away at age 83 among family on the evening of Feb. 6.

college at Western Washington University. However, after two years, she decided that her chosen major as an accountant was not of interest, so she spent most of the next ten years working in the shing industry in Alaska. While there, she met her future husband Bernard Fernandez who was a king crab sherman at the time. She nished her shing career as the Human Resources Director of the Icicle Seafoods processing plant in Bellingham. Lesli then returned to Western Washington University. She graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Science in 1996 while pregnant with her son Andrew, who was born in 1997 and was the greatest joy of her life. Lesli obtained her Masters in Molecular Biology from Western Washington University in 2002. She worked as a Water Quality Specialist with the City of Bellingham for ve years and then became an Environmental Engineer with the British Petroleum Cherry Point re nery, where she remained for 15 years, continuing to work through the

state championships including his senior year in basketball where he also earned honors as an AllState player and 1st team all tournament player.

He most of all enjoyed the camaraderie with his teammates and friends.

He worked primarily in the trades and always enjoyed a hard day’s work whether it was in Whatcom county, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, or California. He was adventurous and nomadic by nature and spent many weeks

Peach was born June 13, 1939, in Bellingham to Vernon “Tu y” and Wilma Barter. Peach was the oldest of three siblings, and graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1957.

Peach met her sweetheart Jimmy “Jim” at her parents’ restaurant in Glacier. ey were married on Halloween in 1957 and

majority of her cancer treatment until illness forced an early retirement. She found her work challenging and rewarding, and she was well-liked by her co-workers.

After Lesli and Bernard divorced, they still treated each other as family. Lesli then fell in love with Robert Doyer; the couple intended to marry but he died unexpectedly of cancer after only two years together. Lesli cared for him devotedly during his illness and was heart-broken at his loss.

Lesli made lifelong friends with whom she remained very connected. She was talented at renovations and house repairs and the projects brought her great satisfaction. (She was actually re-tarring the roof of her house while 9 months pregnant with Andrew and went into labor during that job.) Lesli enjoyed doing many things, from attending the Seattle Opera with Carla, to camping and enjoying the outdoors with Andrew, to shopping (she had an astonishing collection of shoes and often wished that she could wear 3” heels to work), to crafting handmade presents for

traveling with voyages to Hawaii, Iceland, Europe, and across the United States, visiting friends and making new ones along the way. We always marveled at his industriousness to make things happen. But he always returned home to Whatcom County where the people he cherished remained, his family and childhood friends. ey meant everything to him. Nate was a gentle, and above all, kind hearted soul. His love for all people was extraordinarily unconditional and empathetic. He had a great passion for kids and animals. He refused to accept that life could not be beautiful and perfect every moment even

later welcomed four children: Shelly, Vernon, Lori, and Steve. Peach loved being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. After her children had grown, Peach worked for a number of years at the Deming Quick Stop.

Peach was very sociable, and spending time catching up with family and friends brought her joy.

Even after moving into a nursing home in Bellingham, she still managed to get all the gossip from her neighbors in Deming. Peach was always up for an adventure, and especially enjoyed camping and digging clams. Every year, she looked forward to camping with Jim and their friends at the Deming Log Show.

Whatcom Wonders

Glenn Kaauwai makes a di erence with local CERT

By Elisa Claassen, for the Tribune

A retired firefighter, Glenn Kaauwai volunteers for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in Bellingham and has instructed for approximately six years. The following is from a Q&A with Kaauwai.

Lynden Tribune: Why did you get started volunteering?

Glenn Kaauwai: Because I’m retired, have the time and wanted to share my experiences.

Tribune: How did you choose who you volunteer for?

Kaauwai: The place was simple. It’s where I reside. The cause to volunteer is to finish strong in this chapter of my life and CERT is a great place to do that.

Tribune: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

friends and family. She loved huge family dinners especially at anksgiving and Christmas. Lesli was strong-minded, independent, and active, and she knew how to enjoy life with a playful and whimsical approach. She was a dedicated daughter, a loving mother, a supportive sister, and a caring friend. Lesli was preceded in death by her parents William and Jean Marie Higginson, her niece Christie Marie Higginson, and her ancé Robert Doyer. She is survived by her son Andrew Hollis Higginson of Ferndale, her sister Carla Jean Higginson of Friday Harbor (Garrett J. Beyer), her sister Jaya Marie Sigo of Suquamish (David C. Sigo), her sister Lisa Rae McEntire of Paci c (Mike McEntire), her nephew Aaron Jacob McEntire (Andrea McEntire) of Marysville, and her nephew Ryan Joel Sigo of Suquamish. She also leaves her former husband Bernard Fernandez of Bellingham, her co-workers from BP, and many good friends from many places. Lesli will always be remembered with joy and love.

in the hardest of times. He always found joy in something with his passion for music a constant presence. As a free spirit, he lived his life uniquely and apart from the usual norms, seeing the world from a higher viewpoint of love. He was so many things we should aspire to and taught us so much

You are loved by many Nate and we will all miss you One Love. You are nally home. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Marvin and Edith Wielenga (his biggest fan). He is survived by his father Gregg Wielenga; mother Sheila Wielenga; sisters Amanda Postma (Tom), Audrey Postma (Micah), and Anna Wielenga: nieces Ten-

Family was important to Peach. She loved spending time watching her grandchildren play baseball, basketball, football, run cross-country and track, sing in choirs, and perform in plays.

Given her love of sports, Peach could usually be found spending her Sundays watching football or NASCAR.

Peach was known by those around her as compassionate and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her tenacity was one of her most admirable traits - some might even call her erce. She was very caring and protective of her loved ones.

Peach is survived by her brother, Dale (Sharon) Barter, and her children, Shelly (Craig) Keck, Vernon Brown, Lori Brown, and Steve (Karen) Brown. She was a proud grandmother to Justin (Brynn) Brown, An-

leigh, Emmalyn, and Mila; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

An open house and celebration of Nate’s life will be held Friday, February, 24th from 1-4pm at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham (2600 Harbor Loop). Come and share memories to honor Nate with his family and friends.

In lieu of owers, please send a donation to Base Camp via the Lighthouse Mission Ministries who care for so many of our local people in need. If anyone has pictures of Nate, the family would be grateful to have them shared. Pictures or links can be sent to natewielengamemory@gmail.com.

drea (Brian) Walkenhauer, Joelle Brown, and Marques Brown; and to her greatgrandchildren, Blakely and omas Brown and Cole and Cara Walkenhauer.

Peach is also survived by her special friend Becky Rudig (Richard New).

Peach was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon (Tu y) and Wilma Barter; her husband, Jimmy Brown; and her sister, Gerri Valencia.

Memorials in Peach’s name may be made to the Deming Log Show Grounds, PO Box 837, Deming WA 98244.

A celebration of life for Peach will take place at the Deming Log Show Museum on Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

based on their life’s experience as well as previous occupations.

Tribune: What do you do professionally?

Kaauwai: I am a retired deputy fire chief from Hawaii. I served for 39 years and then some. Prior to that, after graduating high school in 1974, I join the U.S. Navy. I was an aircraft mechanic.

Tribune: How do your volunteer e orts di er from your profession?

Kaauwai: I believe fundamentally both are the same in wanting to make a di erence within our communities.

If you know of a volunteer you’d like to see the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record feature in our monthly Whatcom Wonders special section, please email bill@lyndentribune.com or call 360-354-4444. Thank you.

Proud

OBITUARIES

George Fredrick Harrison

George Fredrick Harrison passed on peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham on Feb. 10 at the age of 83.

George was born on December 2, 1939, to Fred and Mary Ruth King Harrison in Anderson, Indiana.

George served in the US Air Force from 1961-1965.

George was a gradu-

Duane E. Mellott

Duane E. Mellott passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023, he was 87 years old.

ate of Alexandria High School (Class of 1957), Alexandria, IN; Ball State University, Muncie, IN, where he earned a BS in elementary education, and at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, where he earned an MA in educational administration and a PhD in educational administration.

George’s career in edu-

Duane was born in Bellingham, WA to parents Eugene and Rose (Gillis) Mellott in April of 1935. Duane lived in Nooksack, WA for over 25 years. He married Joanne Mellott, who passed away in

cation included teaching in middle schools in New Mexico, South Dakota, and Indiana and administration responsibilities at Southern Arkansas University and City University of Hong Kong.

After retirement from university administration, he and his wife Carmen, whom he married in 1991, moved to Salem, OR, where they owned and operated the Sylvan Learning Center after which they moved to Lynden where they made their home.

George and Carmen were avid travelers, having visited all 50 states

2012. Duane was a sheet metal worker with the Local Union 66 most of his life. He served in the United States Marines. Duane loved to build and restore old cars; buying, trading, and rebuilding was his favorite hobby. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends who stopped by the shop to chat or help with a project. He is survived by his sister Delores Zimmerman of Bellingham, WA. Duane will be buried in Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham, WA next to his family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

March 12 Chants Celestes

The organ delivers power and majesty, its expansive tones embracing the multi-faceted choral voice in Louis Vierne’s Messe Solennelle. Special guest organist Dongho Lee joins Whatcom Chorale to present Chants Celestes, a 19th century tour de force and additional works from the French tradition. Proceeds from this concert support restoration of the organ at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Whatcom Chorale.

The concert is on Sunday, March 12 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut Street, Bellingham. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit whatcomchorale.org.

and some 65 foreign countries. He loved RVing, cruises, visiting national parks, and national historic landmarks, beautiful scenery, and everything nature has to o er.

George is survived by Carmen, his loving wife of 32 years, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gregory Lawrence in Rapid City, S.D.; and his sister Elizabeth Ann Judd (Jim) of Alexandria, IN. George will be remembered as a friendly, loving, kindhearted, compassionate, fun-loving and generous man.

He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham.

A special thank you to the Whatcom Hospice House for their compassionate care and support during his nal days.

In lieu of owers, please send memorial donations to Whatcom Hospice House Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Pkwy., Bellingham, WA, 98225. Please share memories of George at molesfarewelltributes.com.

Letters: All people deserve a safe community

Continued from A4

legal system.  We endorse passage of HB 1513 to support equity and public safety.

Karla Ward Kim Ninnemann

Debbi Anderson Frey

Berdi Sa ord

Jess Lantz

Krystal Rodriguez

Riveters Collective Justice System Committee

Thank you for the generosity

Editor, On behalf of the Lynden Community/Senior Center, the Board of Directors and sta would like to thank the Lynden Tribune and the community for their generous gift of $7,540. ese funds will go to support our meal program, which is used to provide nutritional and appealing meals to our members and community at the Center and the home bound. We appreciate Mike Lewis for taking time out of

his busy schedule to come to the center and present the donation for our meal program.

Submitting letters or commentaries

e Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record newspapers encourage guest opinions as well as letters to the editor. However, submissions must refrain from attacking individuals without providing supporting documentation or a rational and legally defensible justi cation

Letters should be emailed to editor@lyndentribune.com and must be received by noon Monday if they are to publish in that Wednesday’s newspaper. If letters cannot be sent electronically, they may be typewritten or neatly handwritten and must be received by Friday if

they are to publish in the following Wednesday’s newspaper. Letters should not exceed 300 words. Guest opinions may not exceed 500 words and must include a clear photograph of the author.

Your letter or guest opinion must include your full name, complete address and telephone number. Your address and telephone number will not be printed in the newspaper, but will be used for veri cation by newspaper sta . Neither unsigned letters nor letters containing personal attacks of a libelous nature will be published. e Tribune and Record newspapers reserve the right to edit or refuse any letter. Furthermore, space limitations may also preclude letters from being published. All columns and letters on the opinion page are the views of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the views of the Lynden Tribune or Ferndale Record newspaper.

Community Calendar

Through March 8

Youth musical theater classes

Youth musical theater classes at Jansen

Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden from Feb. 1-March 8. Learn acting, singing, and dancing skills while putting together a performance in just six weeks. The class will share its work with families on the last day. Alison Ross, who is very talented and has many deep connections with the local community having taught at Lynden Christian and other regional institutions, will teach this class. Musical theater classes are for children in grades 3-5 and grades 6-8. Family preschool music class for 3.5- to 5-year-olds and their caregiver will join Ross for a time of connection, songs, games, and stories. This will be a gift of time to slow down, sing, play, and connect with the special child in your life. Visit jansenartcenter. org/classes/music for more information.

Through Feb. 26

You Can’t Take It With You

The Claire, 655 Front St., Lynden, invites you to come out to see the Lynden Performing Arts Guild’s latest production: You Can’t Take it With You. Directed by Ken Dalena, You Can’t Take it With You is rated PG. Evening showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25. Matinees showtimes are 2 p.m. Feb. 19 and Feb. 26. Tickets are available at TheClaire. org, or call (360) 354-4425. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (62 and older) and students (ages 10-22), $11 for children ages 4-9. The Claire asks that out of respect for your fellow patrons and the cast, please, no one under age 4 in the theatre. “They can be distracting to both the audience and the actors. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”

Feb. 22

Evolution of crime fiction

A nicer kind of murder: The Evolution of Crime Fiction. From noon-1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, Bellingham City

Club hosts Humanities Washington speaker and author Matthew Sullivan at its online zoom program. Sullivan will explore the shifting role of the victim in detective novels, and how that shift reflects broader social changes. The community is invited to this free educational meeting. To register and for

We gladly accept submissions for the calendar section of our newspaper. Priority will be given to educational, cultural or recreational events open to the general public sponsored by non-profit, civic, charitable, fraternal or educational organizations. All submissions are subject to review and included at editor discretion as space allows. We reserve the right to edit for content and clarity. Submissions should not exceed 150 words and include contact information. Please submit event information at least 10 business days before your event date at www.lyndentribune.com or by emailing editor@lyndentribune.com. Space is limited and we cannot guarantee placement from week to week. If you would like information on purchasing advertising space, please contact our advertising team at 360-354-4444.

more info please seebellinghamcityclub. org. Bellingham City Club’s mission is to inform, connect, and engage our community to strengthen the civic health of our region.

Feb. 23

WSU Extension o ers gardening green course

Like to have a beautiful ornamental garden that also helps to keep Whatcom waters clean? WSU Extension o ers a five-part gardening green course that teaches essential principles for landscape gardening success using less water, and little-to-no fertilizer or pesticides. Learn the framework for a landscape plan customized to site and lifestyle. Cost of the course is $36 for a laboratory soil test. Course meets Thursday evenings in March online via Zoom with a field trip on Saturday April 1. To learn more or register visit extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/nr/gardeninggreen.

Feb. 23

February birthday party - community

party

If you were born in February, the Lynden Community/Senior Center wants to celebrate you on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 12:30-1:15 p.m. After lunch is a special dessert and time of celebration. Lynden Community/Senior Center celebrates birthdays for each month on the last Thursday of the month, so make sure to join us when it’s your birthday. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org.

Feb. 24

Bruce & Carr, piano and guitar

Join the Lynden Community/Senior Center for a concert with Bruce Parker and Carr Johnson on Feb. 24 at 12:45 p.m. Parker grew up in the Bellingham area. He started playing music very young, playing in numerous bands since high school. He has toured in the U.S. and Canada. He also played music in Fiji, where he lived for a while. Johnson grew up on Mercer Island and started playing music quite young. He played in high school bands and later also in the US and Canada. He lived on Maui for 30 years, where he played and was inspired

Art Group: Meets each Wednesday to paint

Continued from A2

this on a much bigger canvas,” Gibert said. “But then, where would I hang it? I am all out of wall space.”

Gibert usually paints in oils on canvas “but sometimes water colors, acrylics or colored pencils on paper.” As for why she paints, Gibert said it is because she is “interested in the way the world looks.”

“I often paint animals or portraits,” she said. “When I was still a printmaker I often depicted imaginary landscapes or creatures, so I am also interested in the way the world inside the head looks. Printmaking seems to elicit that for me.”

For Gibert, Libert’s artists group is “an inspiring surrounding.”

“Lorna’s art classes have gathered a group of women, and an occasional man, who are good company, warm, smart, and all loving this beautiful pastime,” Gibert said. “Her joyous paintings are all over her studio and house, making it full of color and action and light.”

Loving art, friendship

Linda Calkins also took art classes from Libert at WCC, back I the mid-2000s, she estimates. A Lynden resident, Calkins points out that the Wednesday afternoon artists do pay Libert “a nominal amount because she makes her living as an artist.” However, most of ladies who meet with Libert are considered professional artists “because we sell our work and display in local galleries.”

“Some ladies paint just for the love of painting and don’t attempt to sell,” Calkins said. “After all this time we have become a close group of friends. Painting together allows us to help and cri-

tique each other as well as getting so much instruction from Lorna.  ere are no artistic egos but lots of good humor and generosity.”

e way Calkins sees it, the ladies “are all much better painters because we paint together.”

“But we also support each other as women who have lived long enough to experience a lot,” Calkins said. “It’s much more than a group of artists.

A resident of Bellingham, Jacqueline Hollingsworth was born and raised in Paris, France. In the ‘60s, she accepted an invitation to spend a year with some relatives who were living in Oregon.

“Here I still am after 58 years, becoming a US citizen, raising twins and loving it here in the Northwest in particular,” Hollingsworth said.

Eventually, some of Hollingsworth’s friends encouraged her to join them in painting and drawing classes.

“I started painting after I retired from teaching French and Spanish in high school,” Hollingsworth said. “ ere started my enthusiasm for painting.”

It’s been 20 years now since Hollingsworth joined Libert’s art class. My interest in painting grew, and I met some fabulous artists in class at Lorna’s house that she built to accommo-

by the local music. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter. org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

Feb. 28

Integrated Floodplain Planning online

information

The Whatcom Watersheds Information Network and Whatcom County will host an information event on Integrated Floodplain Planning in Whatcom County at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28. This Zoom event will provide an overview and updates on Whatcom County’s Floodplain Integrated Planning process and how this will guide future work to reduce flood risk, recover salmon populations, and improve the resiliency of floodplain agriculture and floodplain communities in Whatcom County. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions during the event. Registration is required. More information and the registration link can be found at whatcomwin.org/speakerseries.

Feb. 28

Phishing with Gabriel Souza

At 12:45 p.m. Feb. 28, at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, Gabriel Souza will discuss email and phone phishing; how to handle them, what to expect and what they look like or sound like, so you won’t be caught. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

Feb. 28

Your Voice, Your Choice workshop

From 6-8 p.m. Feb. 28, join the Your Voice, Your Choice workshop presented by Peace Health and hosted by the Lynden Community/Senior Center. Making your wishes known clearly in advance of a crisis is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, your family and friends. This two-hour workshop will take you step-by-step through the Washington state advanced care planning documents, which may include health care directives. Call (360) 3542921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

March 2 Connections with Caregiving

Mariah Davis, NWRC Outreach Specialist, will host a virtual open house for people interested in becoming in-home caregivers. Davis will provide information about the hiring process through Consumer Direct WA (CDWA), referrals to Medicaid-contract agencies, answer questions about in-home caregiving, and provide resources and support for those trying to work through the process. Everyone is welcome, registration not required, so join us virtually at https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/82158626557. Meeting ID: 821 5862 6557.

March 3-12

Fiddler on the Roof Lynden High School’s theater arts department will present Fiddler on the Roof, March 3-12, at Judson Auditorium (the old Lynden Middle School), 516 Main St., Lynden. Directed by Tina Miller, costumes by Kim Silva, choreography by Ashlie Blaske and orchestra conducted by Austin McCombs. Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 3-4 and March 10-11, and at 3 p.m. March 5 and March 12. Tickets are all general admission and only sold at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 and older) and students (K-12). Auditorium doors open one hour before showtime. Theatre doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Call (360) 354-4401 or email LHSDramaPublicity@ gmail.com for more information.

March 3-April 1

Whatcom READS Art Challenge

Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, will host the annual Whatcom READS Art Challenge from March 3-April 1. The challenge is a partnership with the Bellingham and Whatcom libraries’ Whatcom READS program. Local artists were tasked with reading this year’s chosen book, The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Artists are then invited to create works inspired by their reading of the book. Also featured in the gallery are works by Kiki Cardarelli, Harmoney Devauney, Lyz Stamen, Jessica Silver, and Rupert Ayton. Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, proceeds from all sales go toward supporting the arts in the community. Email kelly@alliedarts.org for more information.

date huge paintings.

In a recent artists group session, Hollingsworth painted a nature scene in acrylic on canvas, a lone tree by a river in the fall, with what she called vibrant colors. She paints “because I enjoy being in a group of mostly ladies who encourage me to keep it up and also because I enjoy their friendship.”

“We are a very diverse group and it is fun to wander around class and watching them paint while sipping some co ee or wine, and admiring and asking questions as to why they chose the particular scene they are reproducing on canvas,” Hollingsworth said.

As for her choice of medium, Hollingsworth said she started with watercolors, then pastels, before she settled on acrylics which Hollingsworth called her “medium of date.”

“I paint with Lorna because she is a fabulous teacher and is very encouraging,” Hollingsworth said.

“You can always rescue a painting that you think is bad, and she will show you how to rescue it from the garbage can. Also I love to come to class and forget the daily routine that engulfs us every day and just concentrate on painting.”

-- Contact Bill Helm at bill@ lyndentribune.com.

Sacrifice: FHS theater department to perform Les Misérables

Continued from A1

I’ve made along the way [and] the singing,” said Alex Aponte, a senior playing an old woman and Fantine’s understudy. “I love costume reveals.”

• “I love being able to sing all the time,” said Melina Saxman, a senior, playing the rst lovely lady and a member of the ensemble.

“ e power of the group numbers, and how supportive everyone is, which is especially helpful since I’ve never been in the cast for an FHS production before.”

• “I like all the people that will support you through everything you do in the show and life,” said Tyler Sager, a senior playing a poor person and a wedding dancer. “My favorite moment is getting costumes and everyone cheering each person on.”

• “I rst fell in love with theater because of the music, but I’ve continued it because of the amazing friends I’ve met,” said Abigail Hanft, a senior playing the bishop’s sister and a poor person. “My favorite moment was when me and another cast member made an o ce style documentary of rehearsals.”

• “[I like] being on stage and the feeling of performing,” said Tjasia Huynh, a senior playing Eponine. “Our rst dress rehearsal because you see the characters really come to life.”

• “ ough it is my last school play, my love for this cast and this theater will never die,” said Payton Anderson Lee, a senior playing a priest, False Valjean, Brujon, French Army general, a wedding dancer, and is John Valjean’s understudy.

• “ e spark of this show is unmatched. Everyone is so excited to be performing Les Mis and the positive energy is contagious,” said Matthew Schlichting, a junior playing Marius Pontmercy. “Unlike other clubs or sports, everyone [is] friends and we are able

to give each other critiques that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to give, which has created such a powerful show to be a part of.”

• “[I like] the community and the music,” said Gian Lopez, a senior playing a convict, a student and a wedding dancer. “I remembered my experience from before and wanted to experience it one more time before I graduated.”

• “I love singing and dancing and acting, but I think I enjoy the community the most and all the friends I’ve made,” said Sabrina Anderson, a senior playing a factory worker and is also in the ensemble and Cosette’s understudy. “I really enjoy seeing various scenes fall into place when everything goes the way it should.”

• “I love the sense of community and all the friends I’ve made in [the] theater,” said Carolyn Jean Cox, a senior playing Cosette. “I nd that theater has made me more con dent in myself and my abilities. It’s been a treat sharing my talents with theater lovers.”

• “My favorite moment from the process of putting this musical together was when we added the lights and costumes because it made everything look so good and [it] came together so well,” said Maddison Murphy, a senior in the ensemble. “I’m so glad I got to be part of this theater program. I made so many friends and had a lot of fun.”

• “I love the community here and being surrounded by talented people,” said Paloma Jose-Day, a senior who is playing Fantine. “My favorite thing is seeing the lights! It puts a production together. is company has so much talent. Doing this show is so ambitious, and I am so proud of our directors and everyone involved for pulling this together.”

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

Ferndale High School’s theater department rehearses scenes from Les Misérables. Shows are at Ferndale High School auditorium, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Feb. 2325 and 7 p.m. on March 2-3, as well as two shows on March 5, a 1 p.m. matinee and an evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for students and seniors. (Sarah McCauley/ Ferndale Record)

MARCH SPECIALS

Available in March starting at 11:00AM ANGRY BRISKET SANDWICH $13.95

Slow-roasted beef brisket basted with smoked black pepper, barbecue sauce, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, fresh jalapeño, and Southwest pesto sauce on a Telera roll. Served with French fries. CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE $14.95

Sliced corned beef with stewed green cabbage and boiled red potatoes. Served with a dinner roll and your choice of soup or salad.

Northern Whatcom County sees 12 wrestlers place at state

Elijah Washburn finishes first at state in 170-pound division

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

TACOMA — e north-

ern Whatcom County schools had a successful showing at the Mat Classic state tournament on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18.

e northern Whatcom County schools saw 12 wrestlers move to the championship round of play held on Feb. 18.

e highlight of the championship round was Mount Baker’s Elijah Washburn nishing in rst place and winning the state title for the 1A 170-pound division. Elijah Washburn defeated Armando John from Toppenish to secure the gold medal. He was the only rst-place nisher of any Whatcom County wrestler.

Overall, Mount Baker led the way in the championship round with seven wrestlers competing. e Mountaineer boys also nished in second place in the 1A division with 99 team points. Toppenish came in rst with 375 team points.

e Mount Baker girls had a team score of 43.5, which put them in the ninth place spot. Mount Baker had two third-place nishes at state; Jorey Johnson for the

113-pound division and Daniel Washburn for the 145-pound division. e Mountaineers had one boy and one girl nish in fourth; Vance Lawrence for the 170-pound division and Ella Moa for the 100-pound girl's division.

Mount Baker’s K.J. Chapman (132 pounds) and Temptest Heiner (105 pounds) both came in fth place. e Mountaineers had the best team score and overall performance for any northern Whatcom County school.

Nooksack Valley saw both of their admitted wrestlers move on to the championship round at the Mat Classic.

Shon Visser nished in fth place in the 1A 182-pound division after

Lynden defeats Burlington-Edison for district title

Clutch free throws secure district title

Nathan Schumock Sports Editor

MOUNT VERNON —

e Lynden Lion’s girl's team defeated BurlingtonEdison 53-43 to win the 2A district championship trophy on Friday, Jan. 17.

combined for 10 straight free throws with no misses to put the game out of reach for Burlington-Edison.

Lynden freshman Payton Mills was a workhorse on o ense. She scored a game-high 16 points and was an immovable presence in the paint.

Kalanie Newcomb was the next-highest scorer for the Lions with 15 points, followed by her sister Adia with eight.

tire season's body of work.”

e Lions had already secured a spot in regionals by advancing to the district nals but with the win, they landed the two-seed.

Regionals also serve as the opening round of state playo s and the Lions will be a lock to advance to Yakima because they are in the top eight seeds.

Wol s said the district championship gives them con dence heading into the state tournament.

It was a game between the top two seeds in districts, but the Lion's clutch free throws and incessant defense led to them securing the hardware. Adia and Kalanie Newcomb performed perfectly under pressure at the tail end of the game. e sisters

Lynden head coach Vic Wol s said the Lions team matured competitively since their rst matchup with Burlington-Edison, which they lost by two points.

“It is a war that we came out on top of,” Wol s said.

Mills came out ring in the rst quarter. She scored eight of the Lion's rst 13 points and helped give Lynden an early lead. ey held a 16-12 advantage going into the second quarter.

senior Adia Newcomb driving into the paint. Newcomb hit important free throws at the end of the game to help seal the Lions district championship win. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune) See Lynden girls on B2

“You have warriors going into the tournament and it is a culmination of an en-

Whoever said “The best things in life are FREE”… …must’ve just loaded up on Popcorn & Coffee at Westside!

The Lynden girls with their championship trophy following the team’s 53-43 victory over Burlington-Edison on Friday, Feb. 17. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune)

Lynden

Mount Baker wrestler Elijah Washburn hugging his coach Ron Lepper after his first place finish at state. (Ryleigh Schmidt for the Tribune)

See Wrestling on B2

Lynden boys bounce back with state berth

Anthony Canales explodes for 24 in Lynden win

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

MOUNT VERNON

— e Lynden Lions advanced to the regional tournament after defeating Lakewood 68-51 in the third-place district game on Saturday, Feb. 18.

After falling to Sehome earlier in the week, the Lions picked themselves back up and stormed through the rest of districts as they won two games in a row to advance to regionals. Lynden head coach Brian Roper said, “Feels like I am going to state for the rst time, that is how personally excited I am. Because now we have a shot just like everybody else.”

With the win, the Lions locked up one of the top eight seeds in the district

tournament which gives them an automatic bid to the state tournament in Yakima.

Lynden junior Anthony Canales was the leading scorer in the game with 24 points. Senior Kobe Baar was right behind him with 20 points. e Lions shot the lights out from the three-point line with 21 points coming from beyond the arc. Canales said it was a great feeling to get to state after a couple of tough losses.

“We love each other so much and it is like a brotherhood. We want to stay together as long as we can,” Canales said.

In the rst quarter, Baar put on a show. He had 10 points on two threepointers and was forcing turnovers on the defensive side with his active hands. e Lions saw all ve starters score a point in the rst quarter.

Despite Lynden’s balanced e ort, Lakewood kept it close with very strong three-point shooting. ey could not seem to miss from beyond the arc.

In the second, Lynden and Lakewood started trading three-point shots. ere were six threes dropped in total in the second quarter alone. Baar

still had the hot hand and was up to 17 points by halftime.

Baar said Lakewood was denying Canales, so he was able to take advantage on o ense in the rst half.

“Someone needed to step up so I took advantage of that opportunity and just played with con dence,” Baar said.

Canales came out of the halftime break on re. He shot the lights out with nine straight points for the Lions in the opening two minutes of the third quarter. Lynden started to break away with su ocating defense by Treyson Smiley, Brant Heppner and Barr, while Canales lit it up on o ense.

Canales scored a total of 16 in the quarter and nished it o with one of the more absurd sequences of the year. He soared through the air for a massive block, recovered it and nished at the rim with a spinning layup. e Lions went into the nal quarter of the game with a 61-39 lead and a rm grasp on the game. e big play of Canales all but did it for the Lakewood team. e Lions rode out the rest of the game and took down Lakewood to advance in the playo s.

Lynden will play again

on Feb. 24 in the rst round of state, which is also regionals. e Lions landed as the number six seed in regionals and will play

number three seed Renton in a tough opening game, but Roper said they are ready for it.

“We are excited to be

there. e 2A’s are really balanced this year and there are a lot of good teams out there and we are one of them,” Roper said.

Wrestling: Whatcom wrestlers perform at state

Continued from B1

defeating Tristian Davis from Riverside. For the Nooksack Valley girls, Ameriah Harlan nished in fth place for the 145-pound division after defeating Sonia Mendoza from Granger. Nooksack Valley boys had a nal team score of 13, which put them at 28th in 1A state. e girls had a team score of 15 which landed them 41st place.

Meridian was the remaining 1A northern Whatcom County school, but they did not have any wrestlers move on to the championship round.

In the 2A division, Lynden saw one wrestler move on to the championship round. Belen Lopez for the 155-pound girl's division placed second in state. Lopez fell in the championship

match to Rudy RodriguezRios of Toppenish after a four-minute bout. Lope now holds the best nish for a Lynden girl ever. No Lynden boys advanced to the nal rounds at state.

Overall, the Lynden girls logged 24 team points to nish 25th as a team.

In the 3A division, Ferndale saw two athletes place at the Mat classic. Jacob Gandy nished in 5th place for the 145-pound division and Sam Brulotte nished in 8th for the 220-pound division in the consolation bracket.

As a team, the Ferndale boys had the second-best team score for the boy's divisions coming out of northern Whatcom County. ey had a total of 47.5 points which was good enough for 18th place.

Lynden girls: Lions bring home district title

Continued from B1 Lynden buckled down on defense in the second quarter. ey were ying around the court and did not let Burlington-Edison get anything easy. e Lions only allowed ve points in the second and went into halftime with momentum and a 24-17 lead.

Burlington-Edison did not give up easily. In the third quarter, they clawed their way back into the game using strong defense to hold the Lions to nine

points. e Lynden lead decreased to four as they went into the nal quarter of play, but they did not fall under the pressure.

Kalanie Newcomb said they worked a lot on their defense coming into this game and tried to improve on their mistakes from the matchup with BurlingtonEdison earlier in the year.

“ e rst time around our defense struggled a lot with random little things that we needed to get better on. Coming into this game we were practicing

all week working on those little things, getting them all polished up so that in this game we would be much more locked in,” Newcomb said.

Four points down was as close as Burlington-Edison got to a tie game. With a minute and a half remaining, the Lions had a 43-39 lead and it was time for Burlington-Edison to start fouling. e Newcomb sisters were on the receiving end of all those fouls and stayed calm in a clutch situation.

Athlete of the Week

Lynden junior Kalanie Newcomb was second on the team with 15 points in the Lions’ district title victory over Burlington-Edison. Newcomb helped seal the win with six high-pressure free throws.

Sponsored by

ey hit all of their shots and sealed the deal for Lynden. e Lions will play again on Friday, Feb. 25 in the rst round of regionals against number seven seed White River.

Wol s said the team has things they can point to be successful as the season continues. “ ese girls just got to keep replaying the good things that they did in this game, the successes and your subconscious believes it,” Wol s said.

Anthony Canales of Lynden soars in for two of his game-high 24 points against Lakewood. The Lions 68-51 win captured third place in District 1 2A to advance to the state opening round. (Dennis Cairns for the Tribune)

Mount Baker’s Elijah Washburn locking up a Toppenish wrestler in the state finals match on Saturday, Feb. 18. (Ryleigh Schmidt for the Tribune)

Elijah Washburn following his state championship win on Saturday, Feb. 18 in Tacoma. (Ryleigh Schmidt for the Tribune)

The Lynden girls team celebrating directly following their win over Burlington-Edison for the district championship. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune)

1A bi-district recap: North Whatcom teams advance

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

WHATCOM COUNTY —

e Lynden Christian boys, girls and Nooksack Valley girls all competed In bidistrict crossover games on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18.

Each team won their crossover match as it was blowouts across the board. ey will all be state contenders with their wins in the crossover games.

Nooksack Valley girls had the biggest win of the bunch. ey defeated Overlake 71-8 in a complete show of domination. e

Pioneers have been the best 1A girls school in the state so far this year and they will try to continue that dominance going forward.

Nooksack Valley landed as the one-seed in the 1A state regionals. eir rst game is against eight-seed Bellevue Christian on Friday, Feb. 24 at Mount Vernon High School.

e Lynden Christian girls also won in a blowout victory in their crossover match. LC faced Cedar Park Christian from district two and defeated them 73-19 to advance to the state regional tournament.

e Lyncs fall into the

DISTRICT COVERAGE FEB. 14-18

second seed right behind Nooksack Valley. LC will play seven-seed Cashmere on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Mount Vernon High School.

For the LC boys it was not much di erent. ey defeated Sultan in their crossover match 68-32 to move on. e Lyncs received the one-seed and will play eight-seed Overtake on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Mount Vernon High School. ere will be ve total Lynden area teams competing in the state regionals. e three teams above and Lynden boys and girls.

Lynden overcomes early loss to Sehome

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

MOUNT VERNON — e Lynden boy's path to state got a bit longer after they fell to Sehome 46-44 in the district semi nal game on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Sehome versus Lynden has become quite the rivalry this year. It is the second time that Sehome has beaten Lynden and they have a chance to meet at state again for a third time. With the win, the Mariners advanced to the district nal game held on Saturday, Feb. 18 and fell to Anacortes. Despite the loss Sehome will be the ve-seed in state regionals. Anacortes will be the two-seed.

Lynden made the most of the opportunity later in the week with two more games to play.

ey defeated Archbishop Murphy by a wide 65-25 victory on Feb. 16 and went on to play Lakewood in the third and fourth place game.

It was a neck-and-neck game throughout, with the nale coming down to the last shot of the game. e Lions had three opportunities to tie or take the lead in the nal 30 seconds of the game. It came down to an inbounds pass from Lynden with one second remaining on the clock. Senior Coston Parcher received the inbounds pass and let a shot o from beyond the arc but it came up just short.

Lynden head coach Brian Roper said that Parcher is the guy that he trusts to shoot that nal shot.

“It just didn’t go down and sometimes that is high school basketball,” Roper said.

Lynden junior Anthony Canales started the game on a heater. He had seven of the 13 Lynden points scored in the rst quarter and looked impossible to stop. Lynden went into the second quarter with a 13-10. Canales nished with 21 points overall. e Sehome plethora of lengthy forwards seemed to give Lynden trouble in this one.

In the second quarter, it was a combo of Grey Garrison and Braddock Duckworth who caused the Lions problems. ey combined for seven points and helped give Sehome a 24-23 lead heading into halftime.

Following the halftime break, Garrison made his mark on the game. He was a menace in the low post and scored 12 of the 14 Sehome points in the quarter. Canales matched him and dropped 10 of the 15 Lynden points in the quarter. e two players were carrying the o enses of their teams. Sehome and Lynden went into the nal quarter of play knotted at 38 points each.

e fourth quarter was a defensive showdown between the two sides. Sehome only scored eight points which barely edged out Lynden’s six points. e two-point separation ended up deciding the game.

“We are playing for our season right now and these guys don’t want their season to end,” Roper said. “No time to pout or feel sorry for yourself just gotta go get ready to play,”Roper said.

Following the loss, the Lions won two straight to advance to the state regional tournament.

DISTRICT COVERAGE FEB. 14-18

Lynden girls, boys compete in district tournament

Senior Kobe Baar going up for a basket with a Sehome player on his back. Lynden fell 46-44 against Sehome in a tough battle. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune)

Both the Lynden boys and Lynden girls advanced in the 2A playo s after big wins last weekend. (Far left photo and middle photo by Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune. Far right photo by Dennis Cairns for the Tribune.)

and the POW for G122302(A)C is located within SE 1/4, SW 1/4 of Section 5, Township 39N, Range 03E W.M., all in Whatcom County. The places of use (POUs) of GWC 1095-A and G1-22301C are located within W 1/2 of Section 5, Township 39N, Range 03E W.M., and E 1/2, SE 1/4 of Section 6, Township 39N, Range 03E W.M., and the POU of use of

instantaneous withdrawal rate or annual quantity. Protests or objections to approval of this application must include a detailed statement of the basis for objections. Protests must be accompanied with a fifty-dollar ($50.00) NON-REFUNDABLE recording fee (PLEASE REMIT CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY) and filed with the Department of Ecology at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days from February 22, 2023.

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY CASHIERING OFFICENWRO-WR PO BOX 47611 OLYMPIA, WA 98504-7611

Published February 15 & 22, 2023

and Case No. 22-10-0639P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS)

90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema. gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main. asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877336-2627).

Published February 22 & March 1, 2023

Construction

having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory

AUTOMOTIVE

Hinton Chevrolet

8139 Guide Meridian Rd, Lynden • 866-230-4195

Imhof Automotive Maintenance • Repair • Restoration

Over 40 Years Experience-Master Certified

Ferndale • 360-393-8938

Jim’s Automotive Experts, Inc.

102 East Main Street, Everson • 360-966-4440

Les Schwab Tire Center • 360-380-4660

1731 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale

www.lesschwab.com

Louis Auto Glass

1512 N. State St., Bellingham • 360-734-3840

407 19th St., Lynden • 360-354-3232

1721 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon • 360-424-9759

Pete’s Auto Repair LLC

6209 Portal Way, Ferndale

360-380-2277 • www.petesautorepair.net

Point S Zylstra Tire

501 Grover St., Lynden • 360-354-4493

Roger Jobs Automotive

Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen • www.rogerjobs.com

2200 Iowa St., Bellingham • 360-734-5230

Service Pro of Nooksack

208 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4664

Vavra Auto Body

411 Nooksack Ave, Nooksack • 360-966-4444

BANKS & CREDIT

UNIONS

Bank of the Pacific

1800 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-8780

www.BankofthePacific.com

Banner Bank

138 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden 360-354-8100 • www.bannerbank.com

BEAUTY SUPPLIES & WIGS

Sunset Beauty Supply

1225 E. Sunset Dr. # 150, Bellingham 360-738-0359 • www.sunsetbeautysupply.com

CABINETS

Lynden Interiors

2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149 www.lyndeninteriors.com

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

CARPET CLEANING

Northwest Professional Services

360-354-4145 • www.npsclean.com

191 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Lynden

CEMETERIES

Greenwood Cemetery • thegreenwoodcemetery.com

East Wiser Lake Rd., Lynden • 360-647-4001

Lynden Cemetery • www.lyndencemetery.com

South Side of Front St., Lynden • 360-647-4001

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Bay City Supply

360-671-7400 • www.baycitysupply.com

P.O. Box 2073, 1250 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229

COFFEE

Cruisin Coffee

1976 Kok Rd., Lynden Town Plaza, Lynden

5885 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-738-3789

COMPUTER SERVICES

Lynden Computer Services

360-319-5923 • lyndencomputer.com

CONCRETE

Mt. Baker Mobile Mixing, LLC

360-319-4285 www.mtbakermobilemixing.com

CONSTRUCTION

TSquared Inc Construction & Roofing

Troy Visser • 360-815-2616

DENTAL

Premier Dental Center

2086 Main St, Ferndale - 360-380-4553 dentistferndale.com

DRYER VENT CLEANING

Christensen Home Services 360-594-1468 • P.O. Box 29286, Bellingham www.facebook.com/ChristensenHomeServices

EYE CARE

Everson Vision Clinic, Dr. Alex Ilyin, OD

205 W Main St, Everson • 360-966-0445 Bethgutman.evc@aol.com

FARM & GARDEN

CHS Northwest

3500 Meridian St., Bellingham • 360-734-4010

1720 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale • 360-380-0578

415 Depot St., Lynden • 360-306-3800

119 17th St., Fairway, Lynden • 360-354-5671

300 Main St., Lynden • 360-354-1198

102 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4193 www.chsnw.com

Portal Way Farm and Garden

6100 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-384-3688 www.PortalWayFarmAndGarden.com

Smits Compost 9030 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-3583 www.smitscompost.com

FINE JEWELRY

Originals by Chad

521 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-0210

FLORISTS

Lynden Florea

306 Front St., Suite B, Lynden 360-306-8819 • lyndenflorea.com

FUNERAL SERVICES & MONUMENTS

Whatcom Cremation & Funeral

“Our Community’s Most Affordable Cremations & Burials - from $1095” 360-734-7073 • wcremation.com

FURNITURE & MATTRESSES

Colony House Furniture

303 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5554

www.colonyhousefurniturelynden.com

GARAGE DOORS

Overhead Door Company of Bellingham

202 Ohio St, Bellingham • 360-734-5960

www.ohdbellingham.com

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling, Inc.

250 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden 360-354-3400

GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP

Appel Farms - The Cheese Shop

6605 Northwest Dr., Ferndale • 360-312-1431

www.appelcheese.com

GREASE TRAP

CLEANING

Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc.

Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828

www.liljohnsanitary.net

GLASS, RESIDENTIAL

Louis Auto Glass

1512 N. State St., Bellingham • 360-734-3840

407 19th St., Lynden • 360-354-3232

1721 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon • 360-424-9759

GLASS, CONT.

Lyndale Glass • www.lyndaleglass.com

110 7th St., Lynden • 360-354-3937

6172 Portal Wy., Ferndale • 360-384-5956

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Family Care Network

Lynden Family Medicine • 360-354-1333

1610 Grover St., Suite D-1, Lynden

Birch Bay Family Medicine • 360-371-5855

8097 Harborview Rd., Blaine

www.familycarenetwork.com

Ferndale Family Medical Center • 360-384-1511

5580 Nordic Way, Ferndale

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Lynden Interiors

2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149

www.lyndeninteriors.com

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Walls & Windows Inc. • 360-676-5223

4131 Hannegan Rd., Ste. 104, Bellingham

HOME LOANS

Leader One Financial Corporation

David Ohligschlager, Branch Manager

102 Grover St., #208, Lynden • 360-815-1768

www.daveo.leader1.com • daveo@leader1.com

NMLS #12007 & #422225

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL

Amy Warenski Insurance Agency Inc

8874 Bender Rd Ste 106, Lynden • 360-354-6868

www.amywarenski.com

Brown & Brown

501 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4488

Country Financial®, Len Corneto

102 Grover Street, Ste. 209, Lynden • 360-354-4197

Country Financial®

Lesa Ferguson, Financial Representative

1610 Grover St., Suite B1, Lynden • 360-354-2975

Group of Health Insurance Services, LLC

4202 Meridian Street, Suite 104, Bellingham

360-527-2334 • hicllc.net

Guide Insurance Services

1780 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-2200

Jeff Lamphere Insurance

113 Third St, Lynden • 360-354-5333 www.jefflamphere.com

Oltman Insurance & Financial Services

360-354-5988 8850 Bender Road, Suite 101, Lynden

Vibrant USA

504 Front St. Suite 101, Lynden

360-733-5111 • vibrantusa.com

VanDalen Insurance

Shane VanDalen

517 Liberty St., Lynden • 360-354-4433

LUMBER

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

MEDIATION

Bellingham Mediation & Consulting

Sheri Russell, JD • 360-255-1666 www.bellinghammediation.com

MEDICARE INSURANCE

PLANS

Jeff Lamphere Insurance

113 Third St, Lynden • 360-354-5333 www.jefflamphere.com

VanDalen Insurance

Shane VanDalen

517 Liberty St., Lynden • 360-354-4433

Vibrant USA

504 Front St. Suite 101, Lynden 360-733-5111 • vibrantusa.com

PEST & RODENT CONTROL

Environmental Pest Control Inc.

3003 Bennett Drive, Bellingham • 360-676-5120 www.epestcontrol.net

PRINT & PUBLISHING

Lynden Print Company

www.LyndenPrintCo.com

113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444

Lynden Tribune

www.LyndenTribune.com

113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444

REAL ESTATE

Home Smart One Realty- Kyle Christensen 360-594-1468 • kylechristensenrealty.com

414 W. Bakerview Rd. #103, Bellingham

Real Estate Support Services, LLC

As-built floor plans, marketing photography Art Van Allen ~ 360-255-1477 ressllc@gmail.com

facebook.com/RealEstateSupportServicesLLC

RE/MAX Whatcom County- Rick Meyer Branch Manager, GRI, CRS, SRES 1841 Front St, Lynden • 360-410-1213 www.meyermax.com • rmeyer@remax.net

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE

Bellingham RV Storage Quality Covered RV Storage Bakerview/Irongate area • Bellingham, WA 360-671-6100 • BellinghamRVBoatStorage.com

RECYCLING, REMOVAL & YARD DEBRIS

Green Earth Technology 774 Meadowlark Rd., Lynden • 360-354-4936

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

Brim Rentals 350 Duffner Dr, Lynden • 360-354-4411 www.brimtractor.com

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Coconut Kenny’s 1740 Labounty Dr. Ste #1, Ferndale • 360-656-5974 8122 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-392-8435 Little Caesars 1804 18th St., Lynden • 360-354-8656

ROOFING

Joostens Roofing Bellingham • 360-815-7663

Mt. Baker Roofing, Inc. 360-733-0191 • www.mtbakerroofing.com

SEPTIC INSTALLATION

Tyas & Tyas 3966 Deeter Rd., Everson • 360-988-6895

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc. Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828 www.liljohnsanitary.net

SOLAR & REFRIGERATION

Glacier Pacific LLC 9657 Crape Road, Sumas • 360-739-9903 glacierpacific14@gmail.com

License # GLACIPL858KO

SPORTS & RECREATION

Dave’s Sports Shop 1738 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5591 Lynden Skateway 421 Judson Street, Lynden • 360-354-3851 www.LyndenSkateway.com

VETERINARY

Kulshan Veterinary 8880 Benson Rd, Lynden 6220 Portal Wy, Ferndale www.kulshanvet.com • 360-354-5095

VITAMINS

Lynden Nutrition Center 527 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4884

4 ways to increase your car’s value before selling

(BPT) - In the market to sell your car? Here are tips to help increase your car’s value in the eyes of potential buyers before putting your car on the market.

1. Gather your car’s records

Put together every document related to your car, including the title, insurance information and records of maintenance and repairs, to make sure you’re prepared for any questions the dealer may have. If you haven’t kept all the maintenance records but regularly use the same dealership or repair shop, they may be able to help provide you with a summary of your vehicle’s maintenance history. Showing you’ve kept up on vehicle maintenance may improve how your car is perceived by a buyer.

2. Clean it up

Nobody wants to buy a dirty car, so make sure you take your car in for a thorough car wash and clean it well, both inside and out. If you’re not the best at cleaning and vacuuming out the car yourself, consider taking it to a professional detailer to get your vehicle in tip-top shape before selling.

3. Tend to maintenance, recalls and minor repairs

If it’s been a while since you’ve had an oil change, tire rotation or inspection, bring your vehicle in now and keep a record of everything you have done. Make sure you’re up to date an any outstanding recalls for the vehicle. Spending a little bit of money now can make you more money in the future. If there are issues like dents, scratches or brake pads that should be replaced soon that you don’t have time or money to x right now, be honest with potential buyers.

ey will appreciate knowing what needs attention and will trust you more for being up front with them.

4. Take great pictures

To make sure your car looks its best in photos, follow this advice:

• Use a newer smartphone to take pics, or a high-quality camera

• Wash the car right before your photo shoot

• Photograph in a park or an empty parking lot away from other cars, with no visual distractions. Don’t include people in photos.

• Take pictures during the daytime, either early morning or late afternoon. Make sure the sun is behind you, not behind the car.

• Photograph numerous angles: front, side, back, 3/4 angle (from driver’s front corner and passenger’s rear corner), inside the engine (be sure it’s cleaned) and the interior.

• Highlight special features and include the shifter, dashboard and odometer (with lighting on, so buyers can verify mileage).

• Use as many photos as you can on the platform where you’re selling.

Continued

Be The One program creates meaningful, lasting connections for North Whatcom County students

By Sarah McCauley Sta Reporter

WHATCOM — Settling in at a table inside Lynden High School, Janna Gripp pulls out a lunch bag. But Gripp is not another student. She is actually an adult — and the food is not for her. Instead, the lunch is for a sophomore at Lynden High School who Gripp mentors as part of the Be e One program which currently serves Lynden, Ferndale and Nooksack Valley schools.

Gripp said the student she mentors is “an amazing young lady.”

“We have a good time together,” she said.

Gripp does this every week. And she’s done this every week for the past 10 years, mentoring four di erent kids over the years.

Mentorships usually span over the course of a student’s academic career, so unless a student moves away or leaves the program, mentorships can last a long time. In fact, many mentors develop bonds with their mentees that last beyond graduation.

Being a mentor has rewards that make volunteering for one hour each week an easy decision, Gripp said. She is still in contact with her rst mentee, Aranza Paz, who is now in her early 20s and is working toward a career in healthcare.

Gripp remembers that Paz expressed interest in helping out the local Special Olympics program, so the two volunteered together. Gripp still volunteers at Special Olympics, and she believes it’s part of what helped Aranza develop her interest in healthcare.

“We just really connected well and when she was in something outside of school that I could come to and support her in [I would]. And so, over time outside of school, [I] was able to come to her family events,” Gripp said. “To me that’s just a cool thing because the relationship went beyond school.”

To this day, Gripp and Paz “are still friends.”

“I’ve been at some signi cant moments in her life, which is, to me, it’s really cool,” Gripp said. is month marks Be e One’s 10-year anniversary, according to Lynden School’s Be e One pro-

gram coordinator, Lisa Reynolds.

e program stems from Partner’s for Schools, a 501(c) (3) non-pro t organization founded by husbandand-wife duo Denny and Nancy McHarness.

“It really takes many individuals and a community to support kids, families and schools, and I love connecting the critical dots,” reads a quote from Nancy McHarness on the program website. “Our kids and schools should not just survive –they should thrive. Every child can bene t from a caring adult mentor.”

Be e One aims to pair adult volunteers with kids to help combat isolation and loneliness that students may be facing.

Be e One’s website states that “a growing number of youth are feeling isolated and alone. For some, it is because of family issues. For many, it is increased pressure that social media and society are placing on your youth.”

It costs nearly $62,000 per year to run the program in a school district, according to the program’s website. Funding is entirely provided by individual and corporate donors.

“Be the One would not exist without our sponsors and donors who make the program possible,”

life. If you have that you are more than quali ed,” Button said. “Coordinators are available all the time.”

Lauren Olson is, as of this year, the new mentor coordinator for Nooksack Valley schools. Nooksack had a similar mentorship program starting back in the ‘80s, called hosts, according to Olson. It eventually morphed into a program called Connect Mentors around the 2015-2016 school year, then moved to join the Be e One program in the 2018-2019 school year, she said.

“Nooksack Valley excitedly agreed to pivot Connect Mentors to Be e One as the hope was to increase mentoring of students due to Be e One’s organizational systems, ability to up sta ng, community recruitment and participation,” Olson said.

Be e One, throughout all of the schools it serves, is in need of mentors. ere is a shortage of volunteers in comparison to the number of kids requesting to join. A waitlist is lled with kids waiting to be paired with mentors throughout the schools.

Reynolds said in an email. A portion of these funds go toward hiring mentor coordinators, like Reynolds, who play an essential role in bringing this program together. Coordinators welcome volunteers, o ering them guidance to ensure they are trained and feel con dent in their mentorship role. ey take into account a mentor’s background and hobbies to try to pair them with a student who has similar interests.

Robin Button, like Gripp, has been a part of the Lynden mentoring program for years and cannot stress enough how much she feels she gets out of it. She said she would encourage anyone interested in helping out to give it a try, o ering the reminder that mentors are given lots of support by the program coordinators.

“ ere is a very strong support system. ey have these short workshops scheduled from time to time, but your quali cation is really just your willingness to listen and be a trustworthy adult in a child’s

“Like many programs, ours took a hit during COVID,” Olson said in an email. “I started this 2022-2023 school year with four mentor/ mentee matches from the previous school year. Now in February we have 17 students involved, with several on our waitlist.”

Michele Barmore and Annie Anderson are mentor coordinators for Ferndale Schools where the program has existed for the past ve years. Barmore said that Be e One is important “because it not only connects kids to supportive, caring adults, which you can never have too many of, but it also connects our community to our schools. at is important and powerful for everyone involved.”

Barmore said that Ferndale’s program is “in the very fortunate position of having nearly 30 mentors currently involved in one stage or another of the mentor onboarding process waiting to be matched, and that is in addition to the 30 mentors already meeting with a student on a weekly basis.” e program has the potential to double in size over the next year.

However, just because Fern-

dale is not in urgent need of vol-

unteers, they are still eager to encourage more people to join as volunteers are always needed.

“For anyone interested in volunteering but feeling unsure I would say, ‘Please attend one of our New Mentor Orientations.’ ere is no obligation to mentor, and this twohour training will provide you with an opportunity to hear about our program, to ask questions, and to ultimately determine if you think BTO is a good t for you,” Barmore said. Ferndale’s next orientation will take place on March 6 at the Ferndale Library. To learn more, contact the Ferndale coordinators at betheone@ferndalesd.org. But anyone in Whatcom is invited to volunteer at any of the three schools, and it is especially needed in Lynden and Nooksack. To learn more about becoming a mentor, or reach out to the coordinators in your district of interest, you can visit the program website, betheonetoday.org.

“We’ve got kids that have been waiting since the fall to be connected up. And so that breaks my heart. Because there [are] kids just waiting to be connected to a mentor and there’s not one there for them,” Gripp said. “It’s not that much commitment, but you could really make a di erence in being there for a student.”

Gripp’s current mentee said she joined the program because “she always wanted someone other than [her] family to talk to.”

“I would say it’s a really good opportunity to talk to someone. Even if you feel like you have no one, like you always have someone to talk to,” she said.

“And you get to skip a class period,” she added, laughing.

Gripp and her mentee laugh as she begins to dig into her lunch. She starts catching her mentor up on the events that transpired over the past week, settling into their standard weekly routine. is is a routine mentors and mentees are doing throughout all three school districts, and many more potential mentees are waiting to do once more mentors sign up.

-- Contact Sarah McCauley at sarah@lyndentribune.com

North Whatcom County school districts

Ferndale School District

The Ferndale School District

Governing Board meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at Vista Library, 6051 Vista Drive. Meetings are open to the public. Visit ferndalesd. org for more information, including meeting times and board agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.

Lynden School District

The Lynden School Board meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Visit lynden.wednet. edu for more information, including board agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.

Nooksack Valley Schools

The Nooksack Valley School Board meets the third Thursday of each month. Visit nv.k12. wa.us for more

Janna Gripp and her sophomore mentee laugh as they walk down the hallway in Lynden High School. Meetings like this happen all throughout Lynden, Ferndale, and Nooksack Valley schools as part of the Be The One program. (Sarah McCauley/Lynden Tribune)

A Ferndale student and Be The One mentor show o cookies they decorated. (Courtesy photo)