The Northern Light: April 24-30, 2025 by Point Roberts Press

April 24 - 30, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

Easter celebrated in Blaine area, page 2

Longtime Blaine teacher honored on Earth Day

B y N ola N B aker

Blaine Primary School teacher Terre Shapiro was honored with an Earth Day surprise on April 22 when dozens of first graders donned t-shirts to celebrate the longtime educator’s commitment to the environment, her birthday that aligns with the environmental holiday, and announced retirement.

The tiny t-shirts were adorned with “Happy Earth Day, Thank You Mrs. Shapiro.”

Shapiro’s 39th year teaching will be her last. Working in the Blaine school district since 1989 teaching first grade and now as the Science Technology Engineering Art and Math teacher, Shapiro has made a habit of dedicating her combined Earth Day and birthday celebration to her students.

Shapiro organizes paper bag decorations with Earth Day messages that are hung up at the IGA Market, sunflower planting stations, and for 22 years while Shapiro was a classroom teacher, her students would make Earth Day t-shirts. That hasn’t been the case the past four years since Shapiro took the STEAM position.

That was revived for one final Earth Day surprise for Shapiro.

Primary school teacher Robin Thompson, one of the faculty to help set up the surprise, said the retiring teacher committed decades to the students and community of Blaine.

“She goes above and beyond for students. She has a big heart. She’s very caring,” Thompson said. “She is really into the community and tied to being accountable to her students.”

For example, Thompson said, every year Shapiro hosts a graduation barbecue for departing high school seniors who she taught in the first grade.

“I’ve felt a calling to be a teacher my whole life,” Shapiro said. “I felt like one of my missions as being a teacher is to teach kids about how to care of our planet and how to be good stewards of our land and what is around us.”

Shapiro, whose first name is French for “Earth,” said that while she’s excited for the next chapter in her life, she still plans on volunteering at the primary school, after traveling and camping around Europe first.

“I love children and I love the primary

(See Shapiro, page 5)

Gray whale sightings in Birch Bay, page 4

Blaine man killed in car crash, page 5

The Plover returns to Blaine Harbor

s The Plover ferry returned to Blaine Harbor on April 18 after undergoing $25,200 worth of repair work in Bellingham. With summer approaching, the city of Blaine is in the process of hiring crew members and launching an online ticketing system to prepare for the 81-year-old ferry’s return to service. Blaine city manager Mike Harmon said city staff hopes that the Plover will be running by Memorial Day Weekend.

Scientists begin European green crab trapping season in Drayton Harbor

Scientists are setting traps for the invasive European green crab around Drayton Harbor in hopes of catching more juvenile crabs that were discovered last fall.

About 30 crabs have already been found in Drayton Harbor since the 2025 trapping season began March 31, said Allie Simpson, ecosystem project coordinator at the Northwest Straits Commission.

“A lot of the crabs that we are finding seem to be last year’s juvenile cohort, so we’re cleaning up what we weren’t able to get last year,” Simpson said.

Scientists saw the juvenile crabs in Drayton Harbor starting in late summer until the trapping season concluded in

the fall. The juvenile crabs were from larvae that survived the warm El Niño winter of 2023-24, which created more survivable conditions for the larvae, which was observed in both Whatcom and Skagit counties.

“That was very clearly a regional trend,” said Emily Grason, marine ecologist and crab team program lead at Washington Sea Grant.

Washington scientists broke records by capturing over 1 million crabs along the state’s shorelines in 2024, though the number also correlates with more traps being set, according to Washington Sea Grant.

Scientists trapped 535 green crabs in

(See Crabs, page 3)

Photo

Ruth Lauman

Easter celebrated around Blaine and Birch Bay

Water and Sewer District hires

finance director, HR manager

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A new finance director and HR manager has joined Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD).

Heather Sytsma joined the district on April 1 after spending the past 23 years at the city of Lynden, where she most recently worked as office manager of the public works department.

“I was looking for something more utility focused and less tax based or rate based,” Sytsma said. “A more predictable and stable budget.”

Sytsma earned a degree in

general studies with a minor in mathematics from Western Washington University. She worked as a bank teller at North Coast Credit Union prior to her job at the city of Lynden, where she also worked in accounts payable and as the senior administrative assistant in the public works department. Her biggest accomplishment as office manager was getting a more streamlined approach to receiving state funding, she said.

Sytsma said she was excited to be involved in the early stages of a proposed sewer bypass project that would move sewer lines on

Birch Bay Drive that are increasingly inundated with flood water. Outside of work, Sytsma enjoys camping, hiking and reading.

s Heather Sytsma.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

s Children dashed across the grass in search of colorful eggs during Easter celebrations in Blaine and Birch Bay, including at the American Legion Post 86 Easter egg hunt on April 19 and Northwood Chapel’s Sunday morning egg hunt on April 20.

Photos l. and r. by Marcy McKay and photo c. by Todd Gallahar

Crabs ...

From page 1

Drayton Harbor in 2024, making it the highest number of crabs trapped in the area on record. Nearly 85 percent of those crabs were juveniles, Simpson said.

Last year, about 17 crabs were caught for every 100 traps set, Grason said. The next highest catch rate was in 2022, when 11 crabs were caught per 100 traps.

Scientists now hope that fewer crabs will be found during the 2025 trapping season, as a La Niña weather pattern created a colder winter this year that may kill larvae.

Washington scientists, who were already working to eradicate the crab around the state, found the crab in Drayton Harbor in August 2019. Considered one of the world’s worst invasive species, the crabs have devastating impacts on native ecosystems including Dungeness crab, oyster, clam and seagrass populations.

“It’s not really discussed any longer that the goal is 100 percent eradication of green crabs, but it’s still a worthwhile endeavor to try to keep populations as small as possible,” Grason said.

While the population is the largest it’s ever been in Drayton Harbor, Grason said the harbor still has a relatively low population compared to other areas where trapping is occuring in Washington.

“We’re concerned about it because the number is still growing and that’s not a good sign, but it’s also much smaller than it could be if we weren’t doing any trapping,” Grason said.

Washington Sea Grant, Northwest Straits Commission and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are leading efforts to keep the crab’s population at a manageable amount in Blaine.

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company co-owner Steve Seymour said his staff, who work on the company’s oyster farm in the

harbor, occasionally see green crabs but haven’t observed them impacting the shellfish.

“We’ll occasionally see one out there but they’re not out in huge numbers,” Seymour said.

Scientists have been focusing their trapping efforts over the past few years around pillars at the old Cherry street pier and at the mouths of both the Dakota and California creeks. In 2024, the most crabs were found at the mouth of California Creek, with 160 captured, most of which were juveniles.

WDFW has also found crabs in the mouth of Terrell Creek in Birch Bay, Simpson said.

Simpson said scientists occasionally trap outside of the core sites to get a better idea where else the crabs could be located, and found a sizable population in Dakota Creek under I-5 in 2024.

This year, Simpson said the scientists want to do more trapping in the creeks to ensure they don’t become a hotspot. She said scientists are looking for property owners with land adjacent to creeks near Drayton Harbor to allow them to trap on their property. Those interested can contact Simpson at simpson@nwstraits.org.

The Washington State University Extension and Washington Sea Grant will hold training sessions for the public to learn how to search for European green crab molts, which can be an early indicator of the crab.

WSU Extension will hold the first training from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10 at the bp Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park. Three other trainings are scheduled in Snohomish and San Juan counties in June.

To register for the Whatcom County training, visit bit.ly/4jKyouW. For more information on the Molt Search program, visit bit.ly/42Y4DkS

Anyone who sees what they believe to be a European green crab is encouraged to take a photo and share it with Washington Sea Grant or WDFW, Grason said. Both live and dead crabs should not be moved, but

the molts can be kept for further verification. And while the crabs are not toxic to eat, they are illegal to possess in Washington state without a special permit.

“We were able to be in this area and start trapping efforts right as this invasion started, which has been a huge boost to our work and keeping Drayton Harbor the beautiful ecological area that it is,” Simpson said. “If we let it get out of hand, if we aren’t trapping, if we aren’t able to access the areas we need to, then it will potentially become a pretty concerning site.”

Member of the Month

Number of Employees: Aloha Cafe Ohana of five.

How long in business: Nine months.

Description of Business: Aloha Cafe is a casual, yet sophisticated cafe offering a diverse selection of premium beverages and desserts. Our menu features artisanal mochi waffles, handcrafted bubble tea and espresso drinks, refreshing shave ice, traditional Korean Bingsu, and wholesome acai bowls. Committed to quality and innovation, Aloha Cafe provides a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy both familiar comforts and exciting new flavors in a relaxed, vibrant setting.

How the business started: Aloha Cafe was born out of a love for sharing sweet moments with Ohana. Our menu is inspired by all the things our family loves. We wanted to create a space where people could relax, connect and enjoy globally inspired treats all in one spot. The name “Aloha” was chosen not just for its island roots, but for its deeper meaning: love, peace, and community - everything that the cafe stands for. From a small idea to a vibrant neighborhood spot, Aloha Cafe continues to spread Aloha one bite at a time.

Future Goals: At the core of Aloha Cafe, our mission is simple: to spread good vibes and do good things. We are committed to making a positive impact in the community, one happy customer at a time. Aloha Cafe aims to strengthen brand identity through social media, merch, and a more refined aesthetic - building a loyal customer base and spreading Aloha beyond the cafe.

s Volunteer Glen “Alex” Alexander checks traps set at the old Cherry Street Pier in Drayton Harbor. Photo by Leah Skare / Northwest Straits Commission

s A European Green Crab found in Drayton Harbor in April 2021.

Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com

Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com

Creative Services

Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com

Office Manager

Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com

Advertising Sales

Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com

General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

Contributors In This Issue

Mary Feusner / Washington State Journal

Kelle Rankin-Sunter

The Northern Light

225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXX, No 45

Circulation: 11,000 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Whale sightings reported in Birch Bay OpiniOn

s Gray whale sightings have been reported in Birch Bay over the past week, including this sighting off Point Whitehorn during the evening of April 21. Orca Network board president Howard Garrett said gray whales congregate between Whidbey and Camano islands and will sporadically travel to other areas, including Birch Bay. Whale sightings can be reported to Orca Network online at orcanetwork.org/report-sightings. Washington state law requires people to remain 100 yards away from gray whales in the water and for boaters to slow to under seven knots within a half-mile when a whale has been sighted.

Minor injuries in single-vehicle crash

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A 21-year-old Blaine area man was transported to the hospital with minor injuries after crashing his vehicle into a tree in Semiahmoo early in the morning of April 20.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue chief Jason Van Der Veen said the man left the road and struck a tree at the intersection of Drayton Harbor Road and Semiahmoo Parkway about 1:35 a.m. Drugs or alcohol were suspected in the accident, Van Der Veen said.

The fire district transported the man to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham for lacerations to his face and hands.

The car was “completely destroyed” and considered a total loss, said Blaine police sergeant Tim Richardson.

The man was driving a white 2014 Subaru Legacy, Richardson said. No other occupants were in the vehicle.

The vehicle speed has not been determined, Richardson said.

morning of April 20.

Letters

The Editor:

I am writing to thank the organizers of the recent gatherings at the Peace Arch. The gatherings were made under the idea of “Peace, Love, and a Handshake.”

I personally appreciated a chance to show my friendship to individuals from Canada, and to express that desire. I left

each of the four gatherings with a good feeling, not that I had changed anything much, except for the feeling that we collectively did something that we could to express positive feelings. Perhaps gatherings like these can continue in various forms.

Thank you Haidee, and all the individuals that showed up at the Peace Arch – from Canada and the U.S. Steve Ganz Blaine

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

CiviC Meetings

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

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. Next meeting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 instead of Thursday.

BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.

Photo by Steve Galbraith

s A 21-year-old man sustained minor injuries after hitting a tree in Semiahmoo during the

Photo courtesy of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue

Blaine man dies in Custer crash on I-5

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A 34-year-old Blaine man died in a single-vehicle crash on I-5 in Custer during the morning of Monday, April 21.

Mark A. Bunch was driving a silver 1998 Mazda Protege sedan

northbound on I-5, just north of State Route 548 when he left the roadway to the right and struck a tree, according to a Washington State Patrol memo. The Mazda rolled before coming to a rest on the right shoulder.

State patrol received the call

about 7:30 a.m.

Bunch was pronounced dead at the scene, according to state patrol. He was wearing a seatbelt. Drugs or alcohol are suspected to be involved in the crash, which is still under investigation, according to state patrol.

County to hold meeting on shoreline flood risk in Birch Bay

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Whatcom County is holding two information sessions in the next two weeks on future shoreline flood risk and ways to adapt. The first meeting will be a countywide online workshop, while the second will be held in Birch Bay

and focus specifically on flooding impacts to that community.

The sessions are part of the county’s future shorelines project that is planning how to prepare for the next 50 years of potential flooding caused by rising sea levels and larger storms.

The countywide, online meeting will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 via Zoom. Registration is available at bit.ly/4cTvuSv.

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BLAINE CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. City Council meeting agendas are published the Friday before the City Council meeting.

The City of Blaine proposes to amend the City of Blaine Zoning Map and Text for the Planned Commercial Zoning District and rename it as the Urban Mixed-Use District. The proposed changes to BMC 17.44 Planned Commercial zoning regulations are intended to encourage a broader range of residential uses within the zone, allow “missing middle” housing forms such as attached townhouses, allow subdivision and sale of residential units, and create flexibility in development regulations to encourage more vibrant mixed-use developments. This amendment is being processed under City permit # 2025006.

All interested individuals are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30 p.m. on April 28, 2025, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

week’s

Elizabeth Canez-Banagan and George Banagan

Gunther Hoffmann

Terri and Lawrence Faulkner

Kris Minkel

The Birch Bay workshop will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. To RSVP for the meeting, visit bit.ly/4jiSDQD.

CITY OF BLAINE

April 28, 2025

4:00 PM – Study Session: West Blaine UGA Update

5:15 PM – Study Session: Finance Update 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting: Public Hearing – BMC 17.44

May 6, 2025

9:00 AM – Public Works and Parks Advisory Board Meeting

May 12, 2025 4:00 PM – Study Session: Legislative Update 5:30 PM – Study Session: Town Hall 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

May 26, 2025 Offices Closed – Memorial Day

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

From page 1

Board of Commissioners Opening

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District is seeking candidates to fill a position on the Board of Commissioners. Applicants must live within the boundary that comprises the District. The appointed person will serve until a candidate is elected in the November 2025 election. If the appointed person wishes to continue to serve on the Board, he or she would have to run for election in the November 2025 election. If elected, the position is a 6-year term. Minimum qualifications for the position are:

1. Must reside within the boundaries of the District as shown on the District’s web site at www.bbwsd.com

2. Must be a citizen of the United States

3. Must be a registered voter within the District boundary

To apply, please submit a letter and resume to: Birch Bay Water and Sewer District 7096 Point Whitehorn Road Birch Bay, WA 98230-9675 Or by email to: sandi@bbwsd.com

The deadline for submission of interest is 2 pm on 5/1/2025. If you have any questions, please contact General Manager Sandi McMillan at (360) 371-7100.

Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website www.cityofblaine.com

s Blaine primary school teacher Terre Shapiro is honored on her birthday by dozens of first graders during Shapiro’s annual Earth Day celebration on April 22. Photo courtesy of Robin Thompson

school and I love science, so I’ll try to still help with that,” Shapiro said.

The Immigration Law Firm

Blaine sports roundup: Soccer beats Mt. Baker on Senior Night

The spring sports season continues on, with boys soccer defeating a Northwest Conference rival on Senior Night, softball battling its way up the conference standings, and baseball riding a six game winning streak.

Boys Soccer

Blaine boys soccer celebrated Senior Night on April 17 in the best possible fashion, with a resounding 3-0 win over Mt. Baker, with all three goals scored by seniors.

Isaiah Zuch opened up the scoring with a goal in the first half, giving the Borderites a lead heading into halftime against a struggling Mt. Baker (0-11) team that sits at the bottom of the Northwest Conference standings.

Logan Villarreal and Christian

Sanchez joined the senior scoring party in the second half to cement the lead and give Blaine (2-10, 2-9 NWC) its second win of the season.

The Borderites then travelled south to face Burlington-Edison (5-3-3) on April 19 for a lopsided, 7-0 loss that the team will likely want to quickly forget.

Blaine had a chance to get back in the win column with a home game against a good Mt. Vernon (7-2-2) team on April 22, but weren’t able to generate much offense and fell 1-0.

Blaine’s defense stayed stout for all but about one minute of regulation, when a Mt. Vernon forward weaved through the back line for a pointblank goal halfway through the first half. The Borderites couldn’t find a chance to counter, and dropped its tenth loss on the season.

As of April 20, Dima Yuryev leads the Borderites with four goals scored this season, ranking the junior midfielder among the top-15 goal scorers in the conference. Zuch is behind Yuryev for the team lead with three goals, while Sanchez and junior defender Wade Lottimer each have two. Lottimer nearly brought his goal total to three against Mt. Vernon with a header attempt that just cleared the crossbar.

With four games left on the season, the Borderites will host just one more regular season home game on Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Blaine will travel to face Anacortes on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Softball

Blaine softball had a tough homestand last week, losing 5-2 to Nooksack Valley on April 17, then losing 18-3 against Sedro-Woolley on April 19, but corrected course on April 22 with an 11-5 blowout win on the road over Meridian.

The Borderites have been working hard to keep their record above .500, and currently sit in the middle of the NWC pack with a 3-5 NWC record, just below fellow 1A school Mt. Baker and 3A Ferndale.

The Borderites couldn’t seem to get a handle of their pitching and defense in the two home losses, allowing 14 hits against Nooksack Valley, then committing six errors in the field against the NWC-leading Sedro-Woolley team.

While the bats were contained –despite Mesa Puls’ second home run of the season against Sedro-Woolley – over the weekend, the Borderites finally broke through on offense against Meridian.

Blaine tallied 14 hits on offense, led by Shaylie Daniels who went 4-5 with two doubles and three RBI. Maddi Musto and Courtney Roff each had three hits, with Roff scoring three times.

While last year Blaine softball seemed to rely on dominant pitching performances to get wins, this year’s team seems more offensively-inclined, winning games with final lines that can look more like football scores.

(See Sports, next page)

B y N ola N B aker

s Blaine junior defender Jacob Troupe, r., jostles for the ball against a Mt. Vernon forward during Blaine’s 1-0 loss on April 22.

Photo by Nolan Baker

Mesa

(Continued from previous page)

As of April 20, Puls and Daniels lead the conference in batting average (.615 for Puls, .609 for Daniels), are top-three in on-base percentage, and Puls is in the top10 in triples and home runs.

The Borderites will look to use the win against Meridian as momentum for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Blaine is looking ahead to a tough schedule, with games against NWC third-place Lynden on the road Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m., then against a high-scoring Mt. Baker team at Pipeline Field on Saturday, April 26 at noon.

The Borderites will then travel to play Burlington-Edison, one of the top 2A teams in the conference, on April 29 at 4 p.m.

Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Baseball

Blaine baseball is the hottest team in the Northwest Conference with a six game winning streak after resounding wins over Squalicum, Bellingham and Lakewood in the past week.

Since the April 9 win over Nooksack Valley, the Borderites (9-5, 5-5 NWC) have rocketed up the conference standings, taking its conference record from 0-5 to 5-5 in just six games. The Borderites are now the second-highest seeded 1A team, just behind Lynden Christian with a 7-3 league record.

The Borderites scored six or more runs in each of its three wins the past week, outscoring opponents by a combined score of 26-2.

Blaine will host Oak Harbor at home on Wednesday, April 23 at 4:30 p.m. (after press time), then travel to face Sehome on Friday, April 25 at 4:45 p.m.

s From top,

Puls rounds second base in the first inning of Blaine’s 5-2 loss to Nooksack Valley on April 17. Blaine defender Logan Villarreal clears the ball in the first half of Blaine’s 1-0 loss on April 22. Shaylie Daniels catches a pop fly during Blaine’s 5-2 loss to Nooksack Valley on April 17. Photos by Nolan Baker

Goodbye winter! We are midway through the spring parade of daffodils, and now tulips, that brighten our yards, freeway exits, and byways of our northwest corner of Washington. The next exciting chapter in spring is just around the corner with the annual May plant sale. I think it is truly the most exciting time for most gardeners, second only to the conservation districts’ native plant sales that happen in April, but that’s a story for another day. Before I discuss the May plant sales further, I would like to remind you that our Blaine Community Organization for Resources and Education (CORE)

class on container gardening will take place 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. If you think you don’t have any place to grow that new variety of tomato

you just read about, think again. We are going to get you growing without a front or backyard.

My personal favorites for our gardens are native plants, especially for creating permanent

landscaping. There’s no better time to purchase native plants than now, with sales going on around our region. The Salal Chapter Native Plant Sale just started its virtual shopping on

April 22 and the live sale will be held Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 at the Washington State University Mount Vernon North(See Plant sales, next page)

s Kelle Rankin-Sunter.

Courtesy photo

s Springtime in northwest Washington is filled with native plant sales in Whatcom and Skagit counties, including the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener Program’s sale Saturday, May 10 at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale. Photo courtesy of WSU Whatcom Master Gardener Program

& Home Garden

and Put’er Inners) Garden Club

western Research and Extension Center, 16650 State Route 536. For more information, visit bit. ly/4iqEMXa.

Here in Whatcom County, we begin with the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener Program’s online plant sale. Starting at 9 a.m. May 3 and running through 9 p.m. Sunday, May 4, you can pre-purchase veggie, herbs and tomato starts with a credit card (there’s nothing quite like shopping for plants in your pajamas). Plant pick-up is at the plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Road in Ferndale. The free event will have educational opportunities and everything from trees, vegetables, shrubs, perennials for purchase. Visit whatcommgf.org for more information.

WSU Skagit County Master Gardeners will hold its plant sale the same day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor Street in Mount Vernon. For more information, visit bit.ly/42mZ0wl.

If you attend the native plant sale in Ferndale on May 10, make sure to stop by the DUPI (Dig’r Uppers

Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Church of Ferndale at 2034 Washington Street. Finally, the WSU Whatcom

County Master Gardener self-service plant sale Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22 at Hovander Homestead Park. The sale includes both new plants as well as some that were at the main sale.

For those gardeners who haven’t yet heard, I am deeply saddened to let you know that Sustainable Connections is officially closing the Cloud Mountain Farm Center (CMFC) nursery in Everson on June 30.

“CMFC’s nursery has made a lasting impact by building a strong community of farmers, home growers, and educators who inspire others to grow,” according to Sustainable Connections’ closure announcement. “After four decades of offering educational workshops and an incredible variety of regionally adapted plants, the nursery will end its operations due to funding challenges.”

The farm is selling its nursery stock at highly discounted prices leading up to the closure. For more information, visit cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

As we move into another sum-

mer of great gardening, I would encourage you to actively support our local growers and gardeners. They may soon be our primary source of fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop at a local farm stand and pick up some local produce or plant starts. There’s no better way than by taking a Sunday drive to explore the back roads of the county.

Kelle Rankin-Sunter is founder of Blaine CORE, which holds free home and gardening classes at Blaine Public Library. Rankin-Sunter can be reached at fruit@BlaineCORE.com

(See Plant sales, previous page)

Courtesy photo Master Gardener Foundation

$800,000 AND ABOVE:

Condo with 2,029 S.F., 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, built in 2008, waterfront; marine view.

1 and a half story house with 2,875 S.F., 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 800 S.F. built-in garage, 273 S.F. patio, built in 2019; marine view, .69 acres land.

2-story house with 2,939 S.F., 1,213 S.F. basement, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 700 S.F. detached garage, 395 S.F. deck, built in 2001; marine view, .58 acres land.

1-story house with 1,272 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 520 S.F. detached garage, 499 S.F. deck, built in 1970, waterfront; marine view, .25 acres land.

New house, .21 acres land.

2-story new house with 3,578 S.F., 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, built-in garage, built in 2024; marine and territorial views, .34 acres land.

1-story house with 2,513 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 720 S.F. detached garage, 829 S.F. patio, built in 2002, .86 acres wooded land.

LAND:

#304 Marin Condominium, 9525 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine

5284 Cherry Tree Lane, Blaine

8893 Semiahmoo Drive, Blaine

5425 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine

5678 Lux Lane, Blaine

8493 Camas Drive, Blaine

9082 Shearwater Road, Blaine

$827,000

$1,250,000

$1,426,500

$1,062,000

$1,444,567

$978,000

$820,000

Continued from page 9

County to hold paint recycling event

B y N ola N B aker

Get ready, spring cleaners.

Have an old can of paint or two in the garage collecting dust since the renovations?

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is hosting a free event to properly dispose of household paints from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at Ferndale High School, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive.

The free paint collection and recycling event for residents will be one day only, and offers the public a chance to safely and conveniently dispose of latex, oil-based, acrylic and urethane paints along with varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, primers and

clear coatings.

All material must be in its original containers, and cannot exceed five gallons. Residents can recycle as many containers as they like, and do not need to dry out the paint before drop-off.

Usable paints will be recycled into new latex paint, according to the county.

The event cannot accept spray paints, marine and auto paints, paint thinner, driveway sealer, and any other household hazardous waste.

Attendees will be asked to remain in their vehicles, and event staff will be on-site to direct traffic and unload paint.

Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information and

to RSVP, visit circular.eco/event/ Ferndale. For more information, email events@greensheenpaint.com.

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8792 Oertel Drive, Blaine

265 F Street, Blaine

4886 Lincoln Road, Blaine

4886 Lincoln Road, Blaine 9574 Harvey Road, Blaine 1841 Austin Road, Point Roberts

8173 Blaine Road, Blaine Goldenbrook Way, Harborview Road and Anderson Road, Blaine

Draft

state

budgets don’t meet governor’s expectations

B y M ary F eu SN er / W a S hi NG to N S tate J our N al

Democrats have their work cut out for them this session as governor Bob Ferguson and the Republicans continue to oppose tax increases in the operating budgets.

Facing an estimated $16 billion shortfall over the next four years, party leaders have proposed increasing taxes to make up for the losses.

Ferguson said neither budget presented by the House nor Senate is one that he can sign.

“First, they each propose far too much in taxes. Second, they both rely on a wealth tax that is novel, untested, difficult to implement and most importantly for purposes of adopting a sustainable budget will face an immediate challenge in court,” Ferguson said.

The Senate Democrats proposed a $78.5 billion operating budget for the 2025-27 biennium, while the House Democrats proposed a $77.8 billion budget. The Senate Republicans released a $76.5 billion budget, but with a Democrat majority in both chambers it will not be voted on.

“We cannot simply cut our way out of a budget deficit. That works when you are balancing a spreadsheet, but it does not work for Washington families, state representative Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac) said in a statement.

OBITUARIES

Robert Chester Metivier

July 3, 1927 – April 9, 2025

Bob lived in Birch Bay Village with his wife of 67 years and his furry friend “Smokey.” Bob worked as a kid in Nellie Juan, AK. Then later worked for Alaska Packers in Blaine and Alaska for many years as a shipwright and for Trident Seafoods as an outside foreman in South Naknek, AK.

Bob built two fishing boats and crab fished commercially. His hobby was wood-working. Upon retirement he spent six months in Yuma, AZ every year.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughters Bonnie Toppen (Gerald) and Vickie Kruse (Darwin); grandsons and granddaughter, David Kruse, Donald Kruse (Melissa), Marc Toppen and Janell Toppen and seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elaine Meiers; nephew, Brian Meiers.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Chester Metivier; sisters Violet Rockwell (Rocky), Blanche Burton (Howard), Ezetta Jones (Kenneth) and Caroline Day (Harold).

There will be a graveside service on Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m, at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248, followed by refreshments in the chapel.

Tributes can be made to a charity of your choice.

The “wealth tax” that the House and Senate are attempting to pass would allow Washington state to tax stocks, bonds, and other intangible assets over $50 million. Although there are differences in the two bills, both budgets rely on the taxes to help fund public schools.

According to representative Drew Stokesberry (R-Auburn), the current budgets only need a $5 billion tax increase, which would be covered by just one of the several taxes proposed.

“They don’t need to nickel and dime ordinary Washington residents,” Stokesberry said this week.

The Senate and House introduced a bill that allows counties and districts individual control over raising property tax. There

is also a proposed tax on shortterm rental homes and nicotine oral patches.

“The Democrats want to tax the joy out of Washington,” Stokesberry said.

The Senate Republican budget proposed no new or increased taxes, opting instead to forgo already negotiated raises for government employees and redirect funds from the Climate Commitment Act.

“If the Legislature wishes to complete our work on time, they need to immediately move the budget discussions in a significantly different direction on both of these issues,” Ferguson said.

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website operated by the WNPA Foundation. To learn more, go to wastatejournal.org.

s State representative April Berg debates the operating budget on the House floor on March 31.

Photo by Mary Feusner

sheriff’s repOrts

April 12, 10:38 a.m.: Domestic violence on McGee Road.

April 12, 10:09 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Percie Road.

April 13, 6:42 a.m.: Theft cold call on Loomis Trail Road.

April 13, 10:16 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Bruce Road.

April 13, 12:25 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Harborview Road.

April 14, 3:13 p.m.: Fraud cold call on W. 42nd Place.

April 14, 4:46 p.m.: Domestic violence cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

April 14, 5:32 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Seavue Road.

April 14, 8:19 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive.

April 15, 12:15 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Seafair Drive.

April 15, 3:02 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Dawn Lane.

April 15, 3:49 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Velvet Lane.

April 15, 4:40 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Rock Crab Drive.

April 15, 7:39 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on

Moonlight Way.

April 16, 9:13 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Boblett Road.

April 16, 4:00 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

April 17, 8:51 a.m.: Fraud cold call on Tracy Place.

ACROSS 1. English TV station 4. It fuels cars 7. Where ships dock (abbr.) 10. Indigenous people of Thailand 11. Midway between northeast and east 12. Small Milky Way constellation 13. Fritz __, Austrian chemist 15. A Brit’s grandmother 16. Colombian city 19. Visualize 21. Charged 23. People’s assets 24. Informative books 25. Jeer 26. You can do it with your horn 27. Agents of your downfall 30. Central Uganda city 34. Supervises flying 35. Type of tree 36. Alfalfa 41. Dishwasher soap brand

45. Hall where military eats

April 17, 11:36 a.m.: Unlawful firearm possession arrest on Faris Road.

April 17, 7:24 p.m.: Domestic violence on Salish Lane.

April 17, 8:13 p.m.: Trespass on Salish Road.

April 17, 10:48 p.m.: Domestic physical on Bay Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

April 12, 10:03 a.m.: Suspicious person on B Street.

April 12, 8:05 p.m.: Suspicious person on 3rd Street.

April 12, 8:13 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on G Street.

April 13, 6:15 a.m.: Prowler on H Street.

April 13, 11:08 a.m.: Theft on Peace Portal Drive.

April 13, 12:56 p.m.: Trespass on H Street.

April 13, 1:15 p.m.: Death investigation on Bald Eagle Drive.

April 13, 8:24 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.

46. Ancient Greek City 47. Speaks incessantly 50. Discuss again 54. Extreme greed 55. Adopt or support 56. Fantasy writer Russell 57. Seize 59. Early Mesoamerican civilization 60. Noted pet detective Ventura 61. Automobile 62. Georgia rockers 63. Color opposite green 64. Amount of time 65. Attempt DOWN 1. Sheep sound 2. Some can be emotional 3. Inflammation of colon lining 4. Origins 5. Comedienne Gasteyer 6. Perceived by the senses 7. A place to play ball 8. Occur before 9. Animal body

parts 13. Thanksgiving dessert 14. Root mean square (abbr.) 17. 1960s teen idol Bobby 18. Promotional materials 20. One point east of northeast 22. Piers Anthony protagonist 27. Popular sports league 28. Cologne 29. Partner to cheese 31. Constrictor snake 32. Not good 33. Supplement with difficulty 37. Hug with fondness 38. Enforced again 39. Small amount of time (abbr.) 40. Substance 41. Anterior parts of the brain 42. Brews 43. Where ships load cargo 44. Holiday season singer

Coming up

Live Music at Packers: Thursday, April 24, 6–8 p.m., Packers Kitchen + Bar, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Featuring Ron Hard and Jimmy Wright. Info: Semiahmoo.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Daughter’s Choice Dance: Friday, April 25, 6:30–8 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Girls and their special guest(s),whether it’s mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, or a cherished friend for an evening of dancing, sweet treats, and refreshments in a beautifully themed setting designed to create lasting memories. Free. Space is limited. Registration required: bbbparkandrec.org.

Backstage at the Border: Friday, April 25, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Music by Earl Grey in the Morning, a violin and guitar duo based in Houston, TX, performing Celtic, jazz, folk and original music. $10 suggested donation at the door (no one is turned away). Proceeds after expenses benefit Loads of Love.

April 13, 8:56 p.m.: Fight on F Street.

April 17, 12:32 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Semiahmoo Parkway.

April 17, 3:32 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Peace Portal Drive.

April 17, 7:59 a.m.: Theft on Alder Street.

April 18, 12:13 a.m.: Surrender of weapons on H Street.

April 18, 3:42 p.m.: Civil problem on Blaine Avenue.

April 18, 6:45 p.m.: Assault –simple on 8th Street.

47. “__ humbug!”

48. Monetary unit of Macao

49. Popular children’s book elephant 51. Glutinous

52. Function

53. Old world, new 58. Swiss river

tides

April 24 - 30 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Monk Slippers. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Drug Take Back: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.,, Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Bring your unused or expired prescription medication for safe disposal. Sponsored by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

Open House and Information on The Bridge at Birch Bay: Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., The Christian Way Church 1733 H Street, Blaine. See what’s happening at The bridge including a new car, the Boutique clothing store, food bank, chaplaincy training and new charcuterie business, plus bake sale, kids cake walk and raffles.

Intro to Sports Officiating: Sunday, April 27, 1-2 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center. Free community workshop on the first steps to sports officiating. Ages 12 and up, any sports. Info: info@bbbprd2.com

Bellingham Scottish Gathering Volunteer Meeting: Saturday, April 26, 3–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Be involved in one of Whatcom County’s best loved events coming to Blaine on June 7. Volunteers needed with all kinds of skills: clerical, set up and tear down, clean up, parking, first aid and runners for various events. Info: heather@scottishdancesociety.org.

DVSAS Hands for Hope Auction and Gala: Saturday, April 26, 5–10 p.m. Silver Reef Casino Event Center. Dinner, dancing, auction and raffles raising funds for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. Tickets $150 per person. Info and registration: bit. ly/44zneF6.

Boating Education Class: Mondays, April 28 and May 5 and 12, 6–8 p.m., online. Basic boating education class with optional hands on classroom sessions April 13, May 1, May 10. Final exam is May 19 for the required WA State Boaters Education card. $75. Info and registration: education@boatingisfun.org.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, May 2, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Container Gardening: Saturday, May 3, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Join us for an “out of the ground and into the box” introduction to container gardening. If you think that you MUST have a plot of land or maybe mobility issues have slowed you down, we want to help you not give up on gardening! We will start with the basics from choosing containers and the right plants to learning how to water and feed them. Free. Info: nwcore.org.

Clamming 101: Saturday, May 3, 3–5 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Learn about local clam species, sustainable harvesting, and marine life. Dig, observe, and connect with the shoreline. Bring a bucket, shovel, boots and your shellfish license (if you want to keep the clams). All ages are welcome. Please wear appropriate footwear. Free. Discover Pass required for parking. No registration required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Spring Car Show: Sunday, May 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Les Schwab, 1731 La Bounty Drive, Ferndale. Dash plaques, trophies, raffle, 50/50 draw, t-shirts, free NSRA inspections. $20 to register a vehicle, free for spectators. Info: wccacruisers.org.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of April 14 to 20, 0.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 14.3 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 69.1°F on April 18 with a low of 35.2°F on April 17. Average high was 64.4°F and average low was 40°F.

Share Your Spare: Sunday, May 4, noon–2 p.m., Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 N. Harbor Loop, Bellingham. Learn about being a living kidney donor. Lunch provided. Registration: bit.ly/4jJDkjS. Info: Kate@ mtbakerfoundation.org.

Blessing of the Fleet: Sunday, May 4, 1:30 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Honoring and recognizing local fishers who were lost at sea.

Boating Safety Classes: May 5–8, June 9–12. Eight-hour course in two-hour sessions over four days. For anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. Cost: $15 plus separate downcast of e-book or $25 for printed book. Info and reservations: bliaux.com or email boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no

Mythological sculpture series to be displayed at Blaine Art Gallery

Blaine Art Gallery will be showing Blaine resident Brian Major’s mythological sculptures during the month of May.

Major’s series focuses on

sculptures of Centaurs, a half-human, half-horse creature found in Greek mythology. The collection includes at least six works: Astromomos, Aatum,

Giya, Ajna and the Interrupter, Sagittarius and Zabra.

“Inspired early on by the power and anatomy of comic book characters, Major began sculpting to explore physical form and strength,” according to a Blaine Arts Council press release on the gallery opening.

“Rooted in personal experience and driven by an unrelenting passion to create, Brian Major’s work captures both strength

and story.”

Major’s portfolio includes oil painting and murals in addition to sculptures. It includes an eight-piece Sumo wrestler series and robot sculptures made from recycled materials.

The display will run Thursday, May 1 and end Sunday, June 1. The gallery is located at 922 Peace Portal Drive, and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Major’s work will also be at the center of the Blaine Art Council’s Second Saturday event 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at the gallery. Attendees will have the chance to meet Major and nosh on treats from L&L Bakery.

The arts council will also be displaying artwork from Blaine Primary School students in May as part of the school’s artwalk.

Get up to 3% back on

s Brian Major’s artwork will be on display at Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive, starting Thursday, May 1. Major’s art includes sculptures of Centaurs and Sumo wrestlers. Photos courtesy of Blaine Arts Council

This Area is Booming!

The Northern Light is now mailed directly to 10,027 homes, 620 more than last year.

Plus, total circulation is now 11,000 copies per week.

Effective 3/6/25

More people live in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo than anywhere else in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.

The Northern Light difference:

• mailed to every household in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo.

• largest audited newspaper circulation in the county

• NOW 11,000 copies distributed every week

• 85% regularly read The Northern Light and 81% frequently purchase products/services from ads in the newspaper

Place your message where it counts

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