New Patio furniture coming downtown, page 3
‘No Kings’ brings crowd to downtown Blaine
B y G race M c c arthy
Hundreds of people gathered for a “No Kings” rally on Saturday in downtown Blaine, one of thousands of demonstrations across the nation protesting the Trump administration.
Americans and Canadians alike demonstrated during the hourlong Blaine rally, organized by Blaine-based grassroots organization Indivisible 4th Corner.
Protesters displayed signs with varying messages against the Trump administration at G Street Plaza, in front of the Black Forest building and by Hill’s Chevron as speakers and singers addressed the audience.
Co-organizer Cathe Hargenrader estimated about 250 people attended the rally, one of Blaine’s largest protests in recent years and the first “No Kings” rally in Blaine. Two other “No Kings” rallies occurred nationwide in June and October of last year.
Indivisible 4th Corner, which formed last year, protests at 11 a.m. every Saturday in G Street Plaza. It also holds special rallies, such as for Presidents Day and the five-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, which paid tribute to people who defended the nation’s Capitol.
The group aims to “stand up, speak up and resist the Trump-led goal to tear down our nation’s democracy,” according to its website.
Among protesters was Blaine resident Ren Sapp, who said as a transgender person, they’ve experienced significantly more difficulty finding health care and support systems since the Trump administration took office.
“You have to hide now,” Sapp said. “There are so many people out there who are against it because of what the Trump administration has done.”
Vancouver resident Reid Moorsmith drove about an hour to attend
(See No Kings, page 11)
Blaine senior center grooves, page 7
Girls golf wins NWC clash, page 5
Whatcom-Skagit Housing gives 12 Blaine families chance at homeownership
B y G race M c c arthy
Twelve families had their dream of homeownership become a reality when they were handed keys to their new Blaine homes during a Whatcom-Skagit Housing ceremony on Tuesday.
Dozens of people gathered for the key ceremony at The Ridge at Harbor Hills subdivision to celebrate the newest cohort of homeowners through Whatcom-Skagit Housing, a Ferndale-based nonprofit. The nonprofit helps qualifying families become first-time homeowners by having them build their homes and fellow participants’ homes, while directing them to affordable loans and down payment assistance.
Andrii and Alina Karashchuk, their three children and a Ukrainian refugee living with them were among 45 peo-
ple who called The Ridge home after Tuesday’s ceremony.
Andrii Karashchuk, who heard about the program through relatives, said Whatcom-Skagit Housing seemed like the only path to homeownership.
“To own a house is to be free,” he said.
The celebration of the Karashchuk family and the 11 new families on their block drew speeches from nonprofit executive director Julia Menkee and Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward as well as representatives from Olympia and Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office.
Since its founding in 1977, Whatcom-Skagit Housing has helped over 700 families build homes in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Sue Sturgill, a founding board member and Blaine resident, said the nonprofit’s first
5 decades of chocolate Easter bunnies at The C Shop
B y G race M c c arthy
For nearly 55 years, The C Shop has been handmaking chocolate Easter bunnies that are delivered to candy baskets from Birch Bay to Norway every spring.
The tradition started shortly after 1971, when co-founders Patricia and Patrick Alesse opened The C Shop. Patricia began making a white chocolate bunny out of the original candy shop, now Jacob’s Landing Condominiums,
before the Alesses moved to The C Shop’s familiar yellow building on Alderson Road.
While much of the world around The C Shop has changed, its chocolate bunnies have remained a constant over the past five decades.
Chocolatier Molly Martin said the Birch Bay candy shop uses the same bunny molds from the ’70s and sticks to largely the same process, with slight improvements made throughout the years.
“They’re handmade and the oldtime look is special,” Martin said.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, Martin sorts through hundreds of bunny molds in the candy shop’s attic, finding both classics and new options. She then embarks on an Easter escapade that requires 500 hours of labor among all chocolatiers.
Her crew includes candy maker Faye Alesse, who is taking on the legacy that
(See Easter, page 6)
homes were in Blaine before expanding to Ferndale, Nooksack, Everson and other rural areas despite recent federal funding challenges.
“It’s so positive,” Sturgill said of the program. “Not only are the families getting a home, but once they finish building a home, they have the skills to take care of it.”
HOW IT WORKS
The nonprofit searches for rural land it can hold for families with limited incomes to build on. It then helps those families secure an affordable loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office and obtain down payment assistance
(See New homes, page 2)
@TheNorthernLightNews @TNLreporter
María Estrada and Patricio Contreras pose with the keys to their new home on March 31 in Blaine. The couple, along with 11 other families, spent more than a year building their homes at The Ridge at Harbor Hills with the help of Whatcom-Skagit Housing. View more photos from the key ceremony at thenorthernlight.com
Photo by Grace McCarthy
(New homes, continued from page 1)
12 Blaine families have a chance at homeownership
with the Washington State Department of Commerce and nonprofit Community Frameworks.
The cohort of future homeowners are required to spend 35 hours per week building the homes for 12 to 14 months. Those hours can be split between the signer and family or friends, but the signer must contribute at least 50% of the hours.
Whatcom-Skagit Housing helps the homeowners from bid through inspection, providing contractors who guide the homeowners through the construction process. The nonprofit also works with the homeowners to ensure they have support and stable transportation while they put in sweat equity.
Menkee said the program helps families fulfill the American Dream, something that has become more difficult as expenses and housing rise faster than wages.
“One of the tenets of the American Dream is home ownership,” she said. “Homeownership changes everything for a family. It gives them stability. It gives them a chance to put down roots and contribute to a community.”
Menkee said families must earn below 80% of the area median income, which is $86,700 for an individual and $114,450 for a family of five in Whatcom County. Participants need to also be U.S. citizens, afford the mortgage and work full-time during the construction.
The homes cost about $400,000 and come with affordable mortgages adjusted to income that typically cost $1,200 to $1,800 per month, Menkee said.
Homes average three to four bedrooms and are 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, depending on the family size. The homes, which sit on 5,000-squarefoot lots, are energy efficient without custom finishes.
The waitlist is about five years, Menkee said.
NEW OWNERSHIP
New homeowner Maria Estrada said it was one of her biggest life accomplishments to build a home for her children with her husband, Patricio Contreras.
“It wasn’t anything easy,” Estrada said through a translator. “It was a lot of stress, a lot of physical and mental work to build this house, but in the end, we own our own home.”
Together, the new homeowners put in 24,000 hours of labor, which pulled down the price of each house by $134,300 in sweat equity, Menkee said. The construction generated $167,600 in sales tax, and the homes will contribute $16,800 annually in property taxes.
FUNDING CHALLENGES
The program has run into federal funding hurdles over the past few years, which Whatcom-Skagit Housing officials said have slowed their ability to create more affordable housing.
The group that just received their keys were stalled for six months because the U.S. Congress struggled to pass the 2024 budget and then reduced
USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program funding by about onethird.
A second delay affected the upcoming cohort of homeowners, who waited six months after funding was temporarily blocked for the same loan program. Once funding was released, the federal government changed the program’s eligibility requirements. That cohort is expected to close on their loans later this month.
Members of the upcoming cohort cheered on their future neighbors’ accomplishments during the key ceremony on Tuesday. The program will continue this spring, with construction starting on another 12 homes on the same street in The Ridge.
As for Andrii Karashchuk, he said he’s excited to barbecue fish and build a gazebo in his backyard, where he can invite neighbors.
“We not only built a house,” he said. “We built a community.”
City approves funding for patio furniture in downtown core
brella was brought into council chambers for the occasion.
Prepping for World Cup, Blaine City Council approved a new budget request from the Public Works Department for up to $90,000 to purchase patio furniture for the downtown core. The decision is yet another in a string of downtown beautification projects in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Public works staff presented council with multiple proposals for patio furniture on March 23, with council approving funding to buy and install the furniture in central locations including the G Street Plaza. For good measure, a prototype of a square patio table with an accompanying bright blue um-
Cost estimates for the new furniture and other decorations like new light pole banners and railings were just below $80,000, according to the public works department. Council amended the language of the original proposal to allow up to $90,000 in expenses as a precautionary measure in case installation costs increase.
Public works broke down the costs for the upgrades at $55,000 for seating and railings at G Street Plaza and at participating restaurants, $21,000 for plaza improvements, and $3,300 for light pole banners.
According to city documents, funding for the new streetscape elements was unavailable
in the original 2026 budget. After Washington lawmakers funded two park improvement projects, general funds suddenly freed up. The city also had nearly $500,000 in general fund savings from 2025 at its disposal, according to a city memo.
Similar to much of the city’s recent beautification approvals over the past year — such as the Downtown Revitalization Project, signage upgrades and more — council is preparing for an influx of tourists during the FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup will feature a slate of games in both Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, and the city is hoping that will bring in throngs of soccer fans with empty bellies and gas tanks.
World Cup matches in the
two cities begin on June 13 and conclude July 7.
This week’s supporters:
Anonymous • Roy Hubbard
Elizabeth Canez-Banagan • George Banagan
Janice Bergman • Joseph Rye
Linda Gibbs • William Carlton
Frank Szczurko • Nancy Van Alstyne
Mike & Brenda Tvrdy
Dennis & Gail Wildermuth
Billie Burns • Christine Schumak
Joe Rieg • Elizabeth Martin
Norman J. Cavanagh • Charlie & Rita Sukola
Joan Zdenek • Alan & Luanne Williams
Keith & Mary Beuchel
Jennifer Plombon • Steve Haines
Member of the Month Smoky Raven Creative www.smokyravencreative.com
Number of Employees: One.
How long in business: Smoky Raven Creative has been up and running since January 2025.
Description of business: Smoky Raven Creative is a small, Nativeowned sign shop specializing in portable signage like yard signs, banners, sandwich boards, stickers, and die-cut vinyl. We serve local organizations, many of them nonprofits, local government, and Tribal organizations, by offering quality signage at some of the lowest prices in the area. We also provide design services and deliver right to you.
How the business started: I saw a lot of local organizations struggling to find affordable, quality signage without having to go through a big out-of-area company. I figured our community deserved a local option, someone you could sit down with over coffee, talk through your project, and get exactly what you need at a fair price. That’s how Smoky Raven Creative got started.
Future goals: I want to be the sign guy people think of when they need something done right and affordable. Whether it’s a banner for a fundraiser, yard signs for an event, or vinyl for a local business, I want folks to know they’ve got someone local they can count on. I am focused on building lasting relationships with the organizations that make our communities stronger.
“We
really appreciate our local newspaper.” -Jennifer Plombon and Steve Haines
B y N ola N B aker
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC.
About Daffodil Press
Daffodil Press is a locally owned, community-centered publishing company dedicated to strong local journalism and vibrant regional storytelling.
We proudly publish:
• The Northern Light
• All Point Bulletin (Point Roberts)
• La Conner Community News (La Conner)
• Mount Baker Experience (Mt. Baker foothills)
• Pacific Coast Weddings (annual guide)
• Waterside (summer recreation guide for coastal Northwest Washington)
Daffodil Press LLC is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association and active in chambers of commerce throughout Whatcom County and coastal Northwest Washington. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publisher.
Letters to the Editor
We welcome thoughtful letters from our readers. Letters should address local issues of broad community interest and help foster informed civic dialogue.
Please include your name, address, email and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are limited to 150 words. We may edit for clarity, length, legality and standards of civility. We do not publish falsehoods or hate speech. Unsigned letters will not be considered. We accept one letter per author every four weeks. Send letters to: letters@daffodilpress.net
Publisher Kari Mar kari@daffodilpress.net
Managing Editor Kie Relyea kie@daffodilpress.net
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@daffodilpress.net
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@daffodilpress.net
Creative Services
Doug De Visser doug@daffodilpress.net
Emma Storey emma@daffodilpress.net
Advertising Sales
Molly Ernst molly@daffodilpress.net
Contrubutors in this issue
Jonathan Jakobitz
The Northern Light
229 Marine Drive
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 41
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
The Blaine Youth Sports 6th grade elite basketball team earned first place against Coupeville after beating the team 47-39 last weekend at the 34th Annual Tulip Basketball Tournament. Skagit County Parks and Recreation hosted the tournament, which drew over 1,000 participants to tournaments held March 27-29 across Mt. Vernon. Blaine Youth Sports is a volunteer-led organization that provides sporting opportunities for children K-8.
Blaine Youth Sports team wins first in Mt. Vernon tournament OpiniOn Letters
The Editor:
Tee up and join us!
Have you ever thought about picking up a golf club — or perhaps you already play and are looking for a welcoming community to share the game with? Well, the Ladies Of Loomis Trail Golf Club has a place for you. We play every Thursday morning April-November. Why join our ladies golf club? • Regular optional fun competi-
tive game days, social rounds and club events throughout the season.
• Beginner group lessons and sessions designed specifically for new players.
• Our club membership is free, but you must have an active GHIN to compete in our optional weekly games.
Come swing by. We’d love to invite you to visit the club and meet our members. There’s no commitment required — just contact
Karen Szol at kszol@comcast.net on Monday of each week to be assigned a spot for Thursday’s play, with starting tee times at 9 a.m.
Karen Szol Blaine
Please send letters to letters@daffodilpress.net no later than noon on Monday.
CiviC Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Third Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit.ly/3QmWVcX.
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360-332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
Photos by Carissa Scott / courtesy of Sabrina Gomez
Girls golf wins NWC clash, softball stays hot
B
y N ola N B aker
The Lady Borderites had a great week overall, with girls golf posting back-to-back first place finishes for a 1A Northwest Conference (NWC) team, and softball rolling to two consecutive wins and a 4-2 start to the young season.
GIRLS GOLF
Catching up on last week’s action, Blaine finished second overall and first among NWC teams at Loomis Trail Golf Course on March 23, with Olivia Tanjuaquio and Thora Engen finishing in the top-10 on the nine-hole course.
Two days later, the Borderite duo logged a top-5 finish on March 25 at Swinomish Golf Links, with Tanjuaquio and Engen each shooting a stellar score of 51, tying for fifth place. Not far behind in the indi-
vidual standings were Hannah Phelps-McDonald, placing 10th with a 56; Sydney Arus, placing 12th with a 57; and Megan Rosenberger, who finished 16th with a score of 64.
All together, the three top10 finishes at Swinomish gave Blaine a team score of 334, beating out 1A NWC foes Meridian, Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley. In a field of eight NWC teams, Blaine finished third overall and first among 1A teams.
Blaine girls golf is scheduled to face Bellingham at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 2 (after press time) at Sudden Valley Golf and Country Club. The team won’t play again until 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Whidbey Golf Club.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
SOFTBALL
After starting the season without scoring a run against
NOTICE Water Main Flushing
The City of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District started flushing the water distribution systems. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system.
The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system.
During the flushing process, water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness in the water. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works or Birch Bay Water and Sewer District.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, contact City of Blaine Public Works at 360-332-8820, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District at 360-371-7100 or visit www.cityofblaine.com or www.bbwsd.com for weekly area updates.
Napavine on March 20, Blaine softball’s bats have been hot ever since, and the Borderites have jumped out to a solid 4-2 record.
In a pair of home games at Pipeline Fields this past week, Blaine smacked Orcas Island 14-2 on Saturday, March 28, and continued to roll against Lakewood on Tuesday, March 31, winning 19-6.
In the five games since that opening day shutout, the Borderites have scored 73 runs on offense, allowed just 25 on defense and gone 4-1.
Freshman pitcher Charley Bakker earned her third win of the season against Orcas Island, striking out four batters over five innings of work. Senior catcher Aaliyah Bowman supplied the power with a
home run and four RBIs. Against Lakewood, almost everyone in the starting lineup got in on the offensive action but it was senior Mesa Puls who shined, pitching a complete game and hitting her third home run of the season while driving in five runs. To round out the Borderites’ scoring endeavors, Bowman, Aaliyah Broyan, Courtney Roff and Kate Koreski scored three runs each.
As of March 29, Puls leads the NWC in the three major
CITY OF BLAINE PUBLIC NOTICE
The Blaine City Council has adopted interim zoning regulations for the central business district, effective for one (1) year.
Temporarily suspended:
• Design review
• Minimum parking requirements
• Maximum building height limits
This action creates new opportunities for development, redevelopment, and investment. Property owners, developers, and the public are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity.
For more information, contact the City Planning Department.
hitting stats: batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, posting a ridiculous slash line of .700/.842/1.700.
Next up for the Borderites is a matchup against Ferndale at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2 (after press time) at Pipeline Fields. After a spring break hiatus, softball will be back in action against Lynden Christian at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at Pipeline Fields. Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
Mesa Puls rears back for a pitch in the second inning of Blaine's 19-6 win over Lakewood on March 31.
Photo by Nolan Baker
Courtney Roff, r., dives headfirst into home during Blaine’s 19-6 win over Lakewood on March 31.
Photo by Nolan Baker
Charley Bakker rounds second base during Blaine’s 19-6 win over Lakewood on March 31.
Photo by Nolan Baker
(Easter, continued from page 1)
The C Shop celebrates tradition of handmade chocolate Easter bunnies
Alesse’s grandparents started. Alesse grew up watching the community culture they built, from Patricia holding an annual celebration where she broke the largest bunny with a hammer to the couple remembering the names of everyone who visited the shop.
“It’s a fun tradition,” Alesse said of the chocolate bunnies. “It’s something we’re known for.”
This year, the shop made
about 550 chocolate Easter bunnies using about a dozen molds — from the bestseller 8-ounce bunny to a customizable 60-ounce bunny.
The C Shop used 700 pounds of chocolate for its Easter treats this year, sourcing it from Guittard Chocolate Co. in California.
In a time of waning handmade chocolate Easter bunnies, Martin said The C Shop offers attention to detail at
a larger scale than can be found nearby. Everything is still done by hand, from the washing and polishing of molds to adding sugar flower details.
A team of about five chocolatiers opens the shop five hours before customers arrive, lining up at their stations. Each person is assigned a task: Prepare the molds, fill them with chocolate, cool the chocolate and package the
and Holy Week Services
bunnies.
“Someone spent a lot of time looking at the bunny, making sure it’s ready for the customer,” Martin said. “It’s a labor of love.”
Customers have a twoweek window to pick up bunnies and candy during a time when the shop is otherwise closed for the season.
Most of the bunnies go into local gift baskets, while other Whatcom County residents ship the bunnies around the world — from New York to Alaska, and some as far as
Norway.
Easter is the first time the candy shop opens its doors after Christmas, and marks an unofficial signal that its busiest season is on the horizon with the shop opening on weekends starting Mother’s Day weekend and weekdays starting Father’s Day weekend.
“They usually always stick their head in and say, ‘It’s the first time I’ve seen you open since Christmas,’” Martin said of customers. “It’s the reunion of the community.”
of
Christ
Alleluia! He is Risen! Please join Pastor Sandy Wisecarver at the Blaine United Church of Christ (Congregational) for Holy Week and Easter Services. Thur., April 2 6 pm Holy Week Service Sun., April 5 10:30 am Easter Service with Communion
The C Shop, 4825 Alderson Road, has sold chocolate Easter bunnies since it opened 55 years ago in 1971.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Chocolatier Molly Martin pours chocolate into an Easter bunny mold on March 27 at The C Shop. The C Shop plans to sell 550 chocolate Easter bunnies this year.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Active S eniors
Country rock dance takes over senior center
Dozens of people joined the Jaded Lovers band for an evening of line dancing and country music that Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 organized on Friday at the Blaine Community/Senior Center.
Wed, April 1: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Roasted Carrots, Spinach Salad, Berry Crisp
Thu, April 2: Indian Butter Chicken, Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Cucumber & Onion Salad, Fresh Orange Slices
Fri, April 3: Veggie Lentil Soup, Turkey Deli Sandwich, Garden Salad, Red Grapes
Mon, April 6: Beef Burgundy, Egg Noodles, Normandy Vegetables, Kale Citrus Salad, Strawberry Cream Salad
Tue, April 7: Braised Hawaiian Pork, Cilantro Lime Rice, Green Beans, Spinach Salad, Fresh Pineapple
Wed, April 8: Rueben Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Garden Salad, 7 Layer Bar
Thu, April 9: Florentine Fish, Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes, Roasted Zucchini, Coleslaw, Fruited Jell-O
Fri, April 10: Asian Chicken Entrée Salad, Veggie Spring Rolls, Orange Slices
Mon, April 13: Savory Roasted Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin, Green Beans, Broccoli Apple Salad, Orange Sherbet
Tue, April 14: Beef Sloppy Joes, Potato Wedges, Dill Carrots, Cucumber Salad, Fresh Melon
Wed, April 15: Birthday Lunch — Apricot Glazed Pork Chop, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Mixed Vegetable Blend, Pineapple Coleslaw, Birthday Cake
Thu, April 16: Chicken Pad Thai, Asian Vegetables, Asian Spring Mix Salad, Fresh Orange Wedges
Fri, April 17: *Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Garden Salad, Tropical Fruit Salad, Cookie
Mon, April 20: Turkey Tetrazzini, Sautéed Zucchini & Peppers, Caesar Salad, Strawberry Ice Cream
Tue, April 21: Sweet Chili Chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice, Asian Vegetable Blend, Asian Salad, Mandarin Oranges
Wed, April 22: Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Carrots, Garden Salad, Ambrosia
Thu, April 23: Pork Tamale Pie, Spanish Rice, Fiesta Corn, Garden Salad, Fresh Pineapple
Fri, April 24: Southwest Chicken Entrée Salad, Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, Grapes
Mon, April 27: Denver Omelet, Roasted Potatoes, Garden Salad, Orange Juice, Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
Tue, April 28: Chili Stuffed Baked Potato, Broccoli, Kale Citrus Salad, Fresh Grapes
Wed, April 29: Chicken Marsala, Brown Rice, California Blend, Spinach Salad, Banana Cream Pudding
Thu, April 30: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Italian Vegetables, Caesar Salad, Sliced Peaches
Subject to change. While quantities last.
Photos by Nolan Baker
Blaine book review: “The Light Eaters”
B y J o N atha N J ako B itz
In “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth,” author Zoë Schlanger challenges our narrow preconceptions of consciousness. By tracing the evolution of animal rights, Schlanger suggests we are nearing a similar paradigm shift for plant life and leaves the reader to ponder what our ethical duty is in a world where plants might possess sentience.
Under the influence of a Kantian worldview, animal vivisections were practiced throughout the 19th century. However, our scientific and ethical understanding of animals changed.
Animal rights and protection grew over the course of the 20th century, thanks to the advocacy of animal welfare societies, the work of legislatures, and a growth in scientific studies to bolster our understanding of the inner lives of animals.
By 2012 a group of scientists gathered at Cambridge University to declare that mammals, birds and octopuses possess consciousness. These advances had moral and ethical implications for how we treat and coexist with other sentient beings.
This example of a paradigm shift in our understanding of animal consciousness lays the groundwork for Schlanger’s thesis.
Drawing on Thomas Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions, Schlanger argues that the current consensus on plant life is under siege. She spends the bulk of the book presenting compelling evidence: Science shows that plants communicate, retain memories, react to
Criss Kramer-Lambert
January 21, 1946 – February 18, 2026
Criss Kramer-Lambert, after a five-week long fight for her life at Harborview Medical Center, has taken her final rest. She passed peacefully, with family at her bed side.
Criss was a devoted wife, a beloved grandma and auntie, a fiercely protective friend and a committed woman of faith. We will miss her presence in our lives.
Her service will be held Saturday, April 18, 3 p.m., at Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist Church. All are welcome.
pain and even use animals as tools.
While their physiology lacks a mammalian nervous system, Schlanger provokes the reader to ask: Should a lack of neurological architecture automatically disprove cognition?
“The Light Eaters” is not a revolutionary treatise for plant intelligence, but rather a thought-provoking look at the history of scientific advancement that makes the case for a forthcoming shift in the ethics and morality of how humans engage with sentient lives different from our own.
“The Light Eaters” should
to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: March 26, 2026
The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on March 19, 2026, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct.
Notice Agent: Clara Hamilton 2315 Xenia Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Attorney for notice agent: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County Cause Number: 26-4-00249-37
appeal to readers of popular science, plant science or anyone interested in learning something new about the hidden lives of plants.
Visit wcls.org to find “The Light Eaters” and other similarly themed stories.
“The Light Eaters” is the April selection for the Books & Bites book group. Join Books & Bites at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Blaine Public Library for community and lively conversation.
Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of Blaine Public Library.
Blaine Public Library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz holds “The Light Eaters," the April selection for Blaine's Books and Bites book group. The group will discuss the book at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Jakobitz
sheriff’s repOrts
March 23, 2:38 p.m.: Hit and run on Cedarstone Road and Northside Drive.
March 24, 11:48 a.m.: Assist a person on Harborview Road.
March 25, 4:35 a.m.: Domestic physical on Sweet Road.
March 25, 8:45 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Salish Road.
March 25, 9:38 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Sweet Road.
March 25, 10 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Loomis Trail Lane.
March 25, 10:28 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Jackson Road.
March 25, 11:08 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Pheasant Drive.
March 25, 10:06 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Drayton Harbor Road.
March 25, 3:53 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Selder Road.
March 25, 4:06 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Alderson Road.
March 25, 8:07 p.m.: Warrant arrest warrant on Zell Road.
March 25, 8:40 p.m.: Sex offend-
er registration on Sweet Road.
March 26, 9:28 a.m.: Threat cold call on Morrison Avenue.
March 26, 12:09 p.m.: Sex offender Registration on Sunrise Road.
March 26, 12:14 p.m.: Sex offender registration on 3rd Street.
March 26, 7:09 p.m.: Request for law enforcement on Anderson
Road.
March 26, 9:04 p.m.: Trespass on Helweg Road.
For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty. us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
March 23, 2:50 p.m.: Burglary on 16th Street.
March 23, 3:18 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.
March 23, 4:37 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Oleander Drive.
March 23, 6:17 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on H Street.
March 24, 4:25 p.m.: Theft on Cedar Street.
March 25, 11:48 a.m.: Trouble with subject on H Street.
March 25, 12:51 p.m.: Vehicle inspection on H Street.
March 26, 8:59 a.m.: Burglary on
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Absence of difficulty 5. Preserve a dead body 11. Gratitude 14. The act of coming together again 15. More cushy 18. Visionaries 19. Large fish-eating bird 21. Indicates near 23. Former CIA and CIA critic 24. Icelandic poems 28. Pop 29. Hammer is one 30. Selfs 32. Thyroid-stimulating hormone 33. Nowhere to be found 35. Electronic data processing
36. Drivers’ licenses and passports are two
39. Snake-like fishes
41. Air Force
42. Popular person-
al computers 44. Stages in ecological succession
46. Wings 47. In the center 49. Pleasantly smooth 52. Jeweled headdress 56. In slow tempo 58. __ Falls 60. Reiterations 62. Eras 63. Hyphen DOWN 1. Body part 2. Mimics 3. Expel or eject (variant sp.) 4. Sea eagle 5. Taxonomic category 6. Chinese languages 7. Mr. T’s “A-Team” character 8. Consumed 9. Chinese dynasty 10. NFL legend Randy 12. Ireland
13. Palm trees with creeping roots 16. Fungal disease 17. Tall, slender-leaved plants 20. Affirmative! (slang) 22. It says who you are 25. Atlantic coast state 26. Grow older 27. Associations 29. Woman (French) 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Indigo bush genus 38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s father 43. Mackerel genus 45. Morning 48. Straight line from side to side (abbr.) 50. Type of molding 51. Small, thin or
Coming up
Beginner Friendly Spring Walk: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 3, Birch Bay Activity Center. The bus will take participants to the walking location. Ages 16 and older. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring lunch, snacks and water. No Pets. $6 per person. Main loop is 3.2 miles. Registration required. Information/registration: bbbparkandrec.org.
Birding at Semiahmoo Spit: 9 a.m., April 4, Semiahmoo County Park parking lot, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Join us for a walk at Semiahmoo to check out the resident birds and migrants attracted to the eelgrass beds. Our plan will be to walk about three miles from the park to Tongue Point and return. North Cascades Audubon Society. Registration required. Info and registration: northcascadesaudubon. org.
Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m., April 4, Behind Hills Chevron in the empty lot on G Street. 1,000 eggs and prizes. Bloom photo booth. Bring your basket. Presented by Hills Chevron.
Bayview Drive.
March 26, 9:57 a.m.: Assault simple on Marine Drive.
March 26, 1:25 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bald Eagle Drive.
March 27, 12:36 a.m.: Domestic physical on Oleander Lane.
March 27, 11:18 a.m.: Hit and run on H Street
March 27, 1:34 p.m.: Threat on D Street.
March 28, 7:03 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Adelia Street. For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
twisted bunch 53. Worn by exposure to the weather 54. Mars crater 55. Humanities 57. Relating to the ears 58. “To the __ degree” 59. Residue when something is burned 61. It cools a home
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
April 2-8 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Easter Bunny Sighting in Downtown Blaine: 12:15 p.m., April 4, Blaine Chamber of Commerce, 546 Peace Portal Drive.
Puzzles and Pastries: 4 to 6 p.m., April 6, Blaine Library. Spend time solving puzzles with others while enjoying delicious treats. Info: wcls. org.
Spring Break Day Camps: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 6 through April 9, Blaine Elementary School, 836 Mitchell Avenue. Ages 5 through 12. $45 per day/scholarships available. Spots limited, registration open now. Information and registration: bbbparkandrec.org or email info@bbbprd2.com.
Washington State Basic Boater Education Course: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., April 6 through 9, May 11 through 14, June 8 through 11. Online course via Zoom. This class is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card. $15 registration plus $10 printed book. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla. Reservations and questions: boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.
Blaine All About Gardening: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., April 7, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn all about the simple wonders of gardening and plant seeds that will grow into yummy veggies or beautiful flowers to take home with you. All supplies provided. Age: Kids. Teen corps volunteers needed. Info: wcls.org.
Community Dinner: 5 p.m., April 16, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy a delicious meal, connect with neighbors, and share in an evening of good food and good company. Cost is by donation, pay what you can/if you can. Info: 360-746-7910.
No Child Hungry Gala and Auction: Saturday, April 18, 6 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. Help battle weekend hunger at our annual fundraising gala. Dinner, cool jazz, and raise support for school kids facing weekend food scarcity in Whatcom County. All proceeds go toward Wildbird Charity for feeding school and pre-school children in Whatcom County. Info and tickets: bit. ly/4sJcf5j.
DVSAS Hands for Hope Auction and Gala: 5 p.m., April 18, Silver Reef Casino. Dinner, auction, dessert dash. Generously sponsored by Greg and Elizabeth Grant and SSC.
Paint and Sip Hot Chocolate: 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 18, L &L Bakery, 477 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine. $35 per person, 8 years old and older. With Alia Masonsmith of Inner Sparkle Arts. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.
Active Shooter Awareness – Level 1: 9 a.m. to noon, April 25, North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay Lyden Road. Join us for a Dynamic and eye-opening 3-hour seminar that will equip you with an Actionable Survival Plan for responding to an active attacker situation. $10. Register here: bit.ly/486V19z.
Daughter’s Choice Dance: Waves and Wonder: 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 24, Birch Bay Activity Center, $8 per family. All ages. Elegant under the sea evening for girls and their special guest. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Ongoing
CAP Clothing Bank: 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays and Fridays, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing for all ages and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap. org or 360-392-8484.
Senior Community Meals: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $6 per meal ($10 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360-332-8040.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 23 to 29, .5 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-todate precipitation record is 12.7 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 60.6°F on March 24 with a low of 32.3°F on March 23. Average high was
and average low was
Blaine Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Mondays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. For ages 2-3. An open program that includes stories, rhymes, and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation.
Blaine Food Bank: 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays, 500 C Street. Info: 360332-6350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: 2:30 to 4 p.m., Fridays, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360-366-8763. Volunteers welcome. Lego Club: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Ages 4 and up. We provide the LEGO® bricks; you bring the creativity. Tech Help Hour: 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Schedule a session in advance or drop in for help on a first-come, first-served basis.
(No Kings, continued from page 1)
Over 250 people estimated at ‘No Kings’ rally, organizer says
Photos by Grace McCarthy
the Blaine protest. Moorsmith, an American citizen, said he wanted his voice to have a larger impact in a smaller community, as opposed to attending a larger protest like in Bellingham.
“I’m distressed and angry at the state of affairs, which is to say the way the U.S. is being misgoverned,” Moorsmith said. “I don’t think enough is being done day to day to push back, to resist, to fight so that the worst results of the path we’re on can be avoided.”
Ferndale resident Ann Meyer said she attended the rally for a multitude of reasons, including families being torn apart by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran being started without the consent of the people.
“It’s important to stand up and say that we’re all in this together,” Meyer said. “It’s a way of starting to practice the community we want and show solidarity with people whose lives have been deeply impacted.”
Birch Bay residents Lorilei Pinley and Cheryl Johnson said the rally allowed them to get involved after being worried about having their rights taken away.
For Johnson, she believes it’s become more difficult to get a job after diversity, equity and inclusion was taken away. She also believes federal policies have contributed to more families visiting the Blaine Food Bank, where she’s vol-
unteered since February 2025.
“It’s important for us to stand up now while we still can,” Pinley said. “We’re living in really difficult times. I never thought I’d see our country like this and so divided.”
Blaine resident Debbie Browning, 73, said this was the first political protest she’d attended. Browning
voted in the first election she was eligible for, the 1972 Nixon v. McGovern presidential race, and didn’t vote again until 2016 in an attempt to defeat Trump. Browning said women’s rights and equality were some of her biggest concerns.
“Fairness is why I’m out here,” Browning said. “It’s very simple.”
Protesters displayed signs of varying messages against the Trump administration at G Street Plaza, in front of the Black Forest building and by Hill’s Chevron on March 28.
Ferndale resident Ann Meyer wears a rainbow hat to the Blaine “No Kings” rally on March 28.
Blaine resident Ren Sapp said they’ve experienced difficulty accessing health care as a transgender person under the Trump administration.
Americans and Canadians demonstrated during the hourlong Blaine rally, organized by Blaine-based grassroots organization Indivisible 4th Corner.
ROAD TO RICHES
SATURDAYS
5pm
10pm
It Works!
Advertising in The Northern Light isn’t just about promoting your business; it’s about becoming a vital part of the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community. With over 23,000+ print readers every week, your message reaches the homes, families, and decision-makers you care about most.
When you advertise with us, you’re not just gaining visibility—you’re building relationships. Our readers trust The Northern Light for its commitment to local stories and businesses, meaning your ad will resonate with an audience that values shopping local, supporting local, and staying connected.
Sauteed
shrimp ravioli,
caper parsley butter.