A supplement of the Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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Local legend Bob Storms promotes the rerelease of his book
Mers the Stellar’s Jay returns for her thirteenth year
Bill Beckett starts a new small business: Peace Arch Taxi Service
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
The funny thing about music …
These are some of Mark Kelly's illustrations that are included in the re-release of the Bob Storms book, “School Stories: the Funny Thing About Music.” The drawings come from Kelly’s “A Day in Toneville” calendar about a musical town. “Bob had seen the ‘Day in Toneville’ calendar and wanted to cut up sections of the picture to use in this book,” Kelly said. (Courtesy)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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‘New author on the block’ Bob Storms releases updated edition of his book ‘School Stories: The Funny Thing About Music’ By Bill Helm Editor
FERNDALE — To the uninitiated, music can seem like a foreign language. Sometimes, even to the ones in the know. Ever heard two or more people talk about music, detailed talk about notes, scales, structures or tempos? You may not even know that’s what they’re talking about. Bob Storms has more than a few stories about music. For close to four decades he taught music, mostly in Ferndale. Now retired, Storms is a published author of the book “School Stories: The Funny Thing About Music.” Recently re-released, Amazon.com describes the book as a “charming, folksy accounting of life in a middle school band room with a few field trips and parades thrown in for good measure.” Recently, the updated edition became available to the public at large. Storms said he “thought that wider distribution would garner more readers as the new edition will be in several countries besides the U.S.” “I don’t plan on making money, by the way,” he said. “I have two more books ready for printing and the success of 'School Stories' is intended to be an introduction to a new author on the block.” The updated edition includes a new, more detailed design with color drawings by Mark Kelly, a local musician and artist. Those drawings come from Kelly’s “A Day in Toneville” calendar about a musical town. “Bob had seen the ‘Day in Toneville’ calendar and wanted to cut up sections of the picture to use in this book,” Kelly said. He explained that commercial cartooning “traditionally has used large scale drawings reduced for the Sunday funnies, getting a crisp clean result.” According to Kelly, a combination of Adobe Photoshop and Artificial Intelligence (AI) afforded the illustrations in Storms’s book “way cleaner results, with the added bonus of color.” “Much as I dislike computers taking over our lives, I rather like this one for the time being,” he said. Storms’s motivation for writing the stories in the first place “was simply that I realized that unusual happenings in my job as a band teacher should be written down before they were lost.” “This time the people in other cities both here and around the globe will read of the challenging situations that faced a music teacher and his students, both in the classroom, on tour and on the march,” he said. Storms explained that teachers “speak highly of ‘School Stories’” and the Ferndale School District office “had its own
Bob Storms with the re-release of his book, “School Stories: The Funny Thing About Music.” Storms said he doesn't plan to make money on the project. “I have two more books ready for printing and the success of 'School Stories' is intended to be an introduction to a new author on the block.” (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
ENCORE copy proudly on the desk when I dropped in for a visit.” “I had dedicated the book to the Ferndale School District after all,” he said. Storms said because the stories “were once published in the Ferndale Record newspaper they are mainly upbeat and were written for family reading.” “It seems that the time is right for some short stories that ring true for parents, kids, music students and teachers as the dreary news cycles on TV have become tedious over time,” he said. With “School Stories” done, Storms can now focus on his other writing projects, with two more books ready for printing. One is also about music. The other is more all-encompassing. "Music Gig Stories" is about the man who has written more than 2,000 compositions. In progress, Storms said that book will likely be finished by the end of 2026. "A Collection of Life Stories" is his autobiography, a book he started a few years back. No sense in Storms keeping all those stories to himself. Music may be like a foreign language, but Storms’ life is interesting and should be easy to follow with his stories. Recently out for coffee in Ferndale, a man walked up to Storms and asked him to sign “School Stories.” “I asked him his name and it didn’t ring any bells,” Storms recalled. “So he said, ‘I wasn’t one of your students but Mark Nichols was and he told me where to find you. He played in your middle school band and jazz band and gave this guy an earful of funny things that happened while he was a student.’ He asked me if they really happened or they simply were composed, like your music.” Those stories, Storms said, were true. -- Contact Bill Helm at bill@lyndentribune. com
Besides teaching music in the Ferndale public school system, Bob Storms, center, played music for many years and has written many songs. (Racquel Muncy/Ferndale Record)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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Lynden man chronicles return of Steller’s jay
This year is the 13th year a Steller's jay has visited Lynden resident Alvin De Jong, "She has been given the name Mers," De Jong said, "which is simply Mrs. with an added vowel." (Photo courtesy Cole Riley)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
Each year, Alvin De Jong looks forward to seeing a bird he has named 'Mers' By Alvin De Jong For the Tribune
Mers (in all her glory) has arrived. (Photo courtesy Oliver Kramer)
LYNDEN — Yes, she returned again. Alvin De Jong is referring to the Steller’s jay with which he has interacted for several years. This year is her 13th. She has been given the name, Mers — which is simply Mrs. with an added vowel. She loves to eat and hide peanuts — which she quite willingly snatches from his hand. De Jong had not seen her since August 2025 and did not know if he would see her again. But suddenly she appeared, along with a few other jays in her small flock.
She typically remains in the area a few weeks then disappears until the following year. Sometimes she announces her presence with her unique raucous call. If within earshot, she may be enticed to come to De Jong when she hears his whistle-call. If in the mood — it seems — she likes to play. She comes, snatches a peanut from his hand, flies away — to eat or hide the peanut — then returns for another. This may happen a dozen times or more. When she returns after being away for several months, she restarts her interaction with De Jong with caution. But after she is assured that she is dealing
with the same person of previous years, she resumes her routine as though the time interval had not occurred. The bird is sensitively aware of new things in her environment, so photos are taken from inside the house to the outside to reduce the potential anxiety that may be created by the presence of the photographer. This year, the bird was seen several days, and three Western Washington University students who help De Jong with home projects — Oliver Kramer, Zachary Atkinson and Cole Riley — each had the opportunity to serve as photographers.
De Jong said that once this year Mers was accompanied by “what was likely” one of her offspring. “There was slight chatter between the two birds,” he said. “It was as though the second bird was begging Mers to share a peanut. But then the second bird flew away. It was as if Mers had said, “shut up kid — get your own peanut.” -- Alvin De Jong is an emeritus biology professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. To learn the complete story of the jay, see the Lynden Tribune entries of 2021, 2023 and 2025.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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North Whatcom senior starts Peace Arch Taxi Service
Bill Beckett is owner and operator of Peace Arch Taxi Service. “It is a one-car family business and I am the only driver,” Beckett said. “Our vehicle is a very nice riding, clean and comfortable Lincoln Town Car.” (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
Bill Beckett serves the area with ‘comfortable and clean Lincoln Town Car ride’ By Bill Helm Editor
WHATCOM — Behind every good man is an even better woman. Bill Beckett, 77, of Birch Bay, speaks so very highly of his wife Mona. She also speaks highly of her husband, who in August started the family’s newest business venture, Peace Arch Taxi Service. In times like these, Beckett has found it necessary to continue to work well into what many people would consider their retirement years. “It is a one-car family business and I am the only driver,” Beckett said recently. “Our vehicle is a very nice riding, clean and comfortable Lincoln Town Car.” Beckett explained that he decided to become licensed as his own taxi service while he was in recovery from hip replacement surgery. “I had driven for a couple other companies previously and decided I could do this and work for myself so I began the process of licensing with the state and federal government in the spring of this year,” Beckett said. “It was a long process, but worth the effort.” For most of his working life, Beckett has been a business owner. It’s how he likes to work, he said. “First as a painting contractor with my wife,” Beckett said. “That business was called Mobeck Painting. We did that for over 30 years, based in Blaine.” The Becketts then had a business called Spooner Creek Promotions in which they hosted 20 youth baseball tournaments a year for about 12 years, also in Blaine. “It was our own facility and we built it ourselves,” he said. “We had teams ages 12-18 from all over the U.S. and Canada participating and even had a few teams from Europe, Japan, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. It was a popular venue as it was set in the relaxing countryside and all the events were World Series or National Tournament qualifiers for various National and International youth programs. The economic impact it had on the local communities was for sure measurable.” Before starting Peace Arch Taxi Service, Beckett shifted into the private security business.
Bill Beckett of Peace Arch Taxi Service decided to become licensed as his own taxi service while he was in recovery from hip replacement surgery. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune) “I do enjoy being my own boss,” he said. “It gets into your blood after a while. You can ask any small business owner and they will tell you the same.” It’s been about two months since he started Peace Arch Taxi Service. To get the word out, Beckett has “lots of promo material out there,” such as business cards and flyers. Among his potential clients are seniors who need rides to their doctor, dental or special needs appointments as well as grocery shopping. Beckett also drives people to the airport, as well as cruise ship and ferry terminal rides. “Lots of people don’t drive, so I offer them grocery rides where the client
may need me to wait and take them back home,” he said. “Lots of ladies go to salons for their hair and nail grooming and I’m offering them service to and from as well.” Beckett is also available to take people home after a night out on the town. “People don’t like to drive home after drinking," he said. "So I have been getting rides home from various bars and lounges in Ferndale, Blaine and Birch Bay.” For such a variety of potential clients, Beckett accepts ride offers around the clock “and I service all the airports and ferry terminals including Anacortes Ferry, Bellingham Ferry, Bellingham Amtrak, Tsawwassen Ferry, Bellingham Airport, Sea-Tac, Vancouver International Airport,
Abbotsford Airport, Vancouver Cruise Ship Lines and the like.” This includes hotel and motel services in the north end of Whatcom County. “Some people need rides to and from work and I am available for that,” Beckett said. “Service businesses like tow truck companies and vehicle repair shops are a couple of my targets. In general, I service the north Whatcom County communities.” For more information or for a ride, call Bill Beckett at 360-201-0275. He’s also having a website built, PeaceArchTaxi.com. -- Contact Bill Helm at bill@lyndentribune. com
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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Lynden Community/Senior Center The Lynden Community/Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to provide a place and environment for one to experience great food, friendship and fun. They particularly encourage seniors to continue in a physically and emotionally healthy lifestyle. Programs are designed to meet individual needs, develop inherent potential, promote personal growth and increase independence. The center's first mission is to maintain independence and quality of life for mature adults in the Lynden community. They achieve this by providing nutritional support through the congregate and home delivered hot meal program; providing opportunities to stay physically, mentally and socially active; and facilitating cost saving and preventative wellness interventions to avoid the need for higher care sooner than necessary. Their next mission is to engage with the community and provide a space for community meetings, gatherings and opportunities for social engagements for all ages. This maintains a community that is friendly and welcoming to each other and visitors. The center's lunch program is independent of the rest of the county's senior centers. It is not funded by any government entity, but is made possible only through private donations from the participants and the community. It is especially targeted to those 60 or older, but anyone is welcome for $7 per meal. Home delivered hot meals are available for the homebound. All meals are cooked on site. The community is welcome. Also, membership is open to anyone
and is $45. Memberships now are valid for one year starting the day you join. Buying a membership helps support the center for its members and the community at large. Membership includes: • Monthly newsletter • Parking sticker (for parking in the Community Center parking lot while visiting) • Allows use of the gym equipment (after training) • Allows one to participate in or be part of the election to the Board of Directors • Member rate on footcare services and other activities offered at the center • But most importantly, it shows your support for the operation of the center. For more information on membership, or to become a member, visit lyndencommunitycenter.org or call -360-354-2921, or just come on by. Address is 401 Grover St. Hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Ferndale Record
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