Issuu

Phase two of downtown revitalization project to start early

B y G race M c c arthy

The city of Blaine’s Downtown Revitalization Project is ahead of schedule as crews prepare to start phase two of the four-part project in late August. While businesses will remain open, phase two will close vehicle traffic to one block of Peace Portal Drive, from H to G streets.

The second leg of the main thoroughfare project is expected to start Monday, August 25, weather permitting, instead of mid-September as previously planned, said Blaine Public Works Director Harpiar Gandhi. Phase one, which closed Peace Portal Drive from H to Boblett streets, will likely reopen Tuesday, August 26.

Gandhi said the project is ahead of schedule because the city and its contractor, Premier Construction Services, planned conservatively in case there was inclement weather or other delays.

Pedestrians will be directed to

use back entrances for businesses from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company to Black Forest Steakhouse, and crews will try to provide accommodation for businesses that can only be accessed by their front doors, Gandhi said.

The project started on July 14 and will be fully completed by December, with the last phase involving improvements at the roundabout at Peace Portal Drive and Marine Drive, Gandhi said. Each project phase will remove and replace trees buckling the sidewalk, replace the sidewalk, install pedestrian rails and include electrical work as well as crosswalk repainting.

Construction is expected to last two months per phase, but Gandhi said it was too soon to say when phase three would start.

Gandhi said the city is trying to be proactive about impacting businesses and their customers as little as possible.

“Businesses are open,” Gandhi said. “We’re there to help them out if they need anything.”

Photos: First section of downtown Blaine construction wraps up

Crews from Premier Construction Services near completion on the first phase of the city of Blaine’s Downtown Revitalization Project on August 12. The first phase included tree removal and replacement as well as fixed sidewalks along Peace Portal Drive,

s The city of Blaine recently released a map indicating in red where Peace Portal Drive would be closed during the phase two of construction, which is expected to start Tuesday, August 25. Map courtesy of the city of Blaine

from H to Boblett streets.

Photos by Ruth Lauman

Health & Wellness

Measles outbreaks this year: What to know

B y P eace h ealth

Once eliminated from the U.S., this easy-to-spread illness is back.

So far in 2025, health officials have reported more than 1,200 cases of measles across the U.S., including in Alaska, Oregon and Washington. Whatcom County confirmed its first measles cases on June 20 and 23.

Those numbers are expected to go up, as healthcare teams watch for signs of the contagious illness like fever, pink eye, cough and a red rash.

Continued upward trend

Young people have been most affected so far, according to the CDC . About three in 10 cases have been in children younger than 5. Nearly another four in 10 are ages 5 to 19.

About one in 10 of this year’s cases has needed hospital care. Unfortunately, three people have died.

Measles was once in decline, but it has been coming back in recent years. In 2024, southwest Washington reported several cases. And in 2019, Washington state had two outbreaks.

Then as now, the illnesses affected people who weren’t protected with vaccines.

“Measles cases can range from mild to more severe, particularly in those too young to be vaccinated and those whose immune systems aren’t working well,” says Jordana Hawkins, MD, pediatrics section chief at PeaceHealth in Bellingham, Washington.

Even in mild cases, people miss a lot of school and work because they need to stay home while they’re contagious, Dr. Hawkins adds.

Here’s what you should know about measles, and what to do if you think you’ve been exposed.

What is measles?

Measles is an illness caused by the rubeola virus. It can spread through coughs, sneezing and drops of saliva. The virus is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people exposed to it can get sick if they’re not protected with a vaccine.

When you have measles, symptoms usually show up about 10 days after you get the virus. The first signs are often fever, runny nose and a cough. About 3 days after that, a rash breaks out on your face, then spreads to the rest of your body.

“Measles is contagious 4 days before the tell-tale rash appears and 4 additional days after,” Dr. Hawkins notes. “This leads to a lot of unintentional spread to others before people know they are sick.”

Complications from measles can include ear infections and diarrhea. Sometimes it can cause more serious conditions like brain swelling, pneumo -

nia, seizures or blindness. Complications are more likely to affect children 5 or younger, people who are pregnant or people with compromised immune systems, the CDC says. Worldwide, measles is a big cause of disability and death in babies and children, according to the World Health Organization

How do we protect ourselves from measles?

There’s no cure for measles, but it is preventable. The best way to limit its spread in our communities is to get a vaccine, called MMR or MMRV.

The abbreviation stands for the illnesses it protects us from: measles, mumps, rubella and/ or varicella.

MMR is given in two doses. Children should get their first dose when they’re about 1 year old. The CDC recommends the second dose between ages 4 and 6.

If you got two doses as a

child, you should be protected for life. If you’re not sure, you can find out by reviewing your health record. If MMR isn’t noted on your chart, you can ask your doctor to do a blood test to check your immunity to the virus.

“MMR has been around since the late 1960s and has proven to be incredibly safe,” says Dr. Hawkins. “It’s also very effective once the 2-dose series is completed.”

One dose is about 93% effective in preventing measles if you’re exposed to the virus, according to the CDC . With two doses, your protection rises to about 97%.

Why are these outbreaks important to know about?

We’ve had a vaccine for a long time. And Americans have been good about getting their MMR doses. So good, in fact, that by the year 2000 we considered measles eliminated in

the United States.

But lately outbreaks are more common . “We are seeing sig -

nificant cases in groups that are unvaccinated,” Dr. Hawkins notes. “These numbers rival those we saw before the vaccine was available.”

She says the rise is likely because of the long amount of time that someone can be contagious and how easily the virus can spread to unvaccinated people. The 2019 outbreak in southwest Washington could have been prevented, for example. Of the people who got sick, more than 85% hadn’t been vaccinated. That’s similar to the rates for current outbreaks, based on CDC data.

The virus also is surging in other parts of the world. Americans who travel abroad or to other states with an outbreak may bring the virus back with them.

If you plan to go abroad or travel in the U.S., it’s a good idea to check if your health re -

(See Health, page 13)

File photo

celebration featured a parade, beer garden at Tony’s Tavern and corn hole tournament.

Photo by Julia Hawkins

Photo by Ryan Quintrall

CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JANICE VIRGINIA VONGSVARNRUNGRUANG, Deceased. No. 25-4-00740-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson

The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(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 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: July 25, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: July 31, 2025

Name of Personal Representative: JOSEPH VONGSVARNRUNGRUANG

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Olga Ilene Logan, Deceased. NO. 25-400713-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Jennifer Slattery

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’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 probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(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 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: July 31, 2025

Personal Representative: Michael Logan 1205 Birch Falls Bellingham, WA 98229

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 25-4-00713-37.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ROSEMARY ELIZABETH RYAN, Deceased. No. 25-4-00732-37. NOTICE

TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’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 probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(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 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: July 22, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: July 31, 2025

Name of Personal Representative: KEVIN T. RYAN

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: July 22, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW,

Attorney for Personal Representative KEVIN T. RYAN

DATED: July 25, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

Attorney for Personal Representative

JOSEPH VONGSVARNRUNGRUANG

7969 W Golf Course Dr

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MLS# 2415118

Floods) Charming home w/oak-type interior. LOTS of living space; & Park Model w/own kitchen, living rm, & bath - used as home office & music studio. Enjoy 1600± sf of stand-alone decks; Has Camping spaces! Heated/insulated shop. Barn w/mowers. Paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444

Special financing available!! Rare Bay View Opportunity! Homes with a direct view of the bay rarely come available in this desirable gated neighborhood, and this one is a standout. Perched to capture stunning ocean vistas, this well-maintained home offers peace of mind with a newer roof, siding, furnace, and hot water tank. Inside, enjoy fresh paint and new flooring throughout, creating a bright, move-in-ready space.

Tiffany Braun 360-594-9484 Ramona Green 360-296-8400

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: STEVE WESLEY ROOSA, Deceased. No. 25-4-00772-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan P. Jones

or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’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 probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(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 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: August 5, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: April 14, 2025

Name of Administrator: LINDA ROOSA

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED August 5, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator LINDA ROOSA

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Stephen Fraser MacLeod, Deceased. NO. 25-4-00771-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal

Date of First Publication: August 14, 2025

Personal Representative: Cindy Maxwell PO Box 32510

Bellingham, WA 98228

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address

of: CHARLES A SHOEMAKER, Deceased. No. 25-4-00338-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert Olson. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’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 probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(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 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: August 14, 2025, with the Clerk of Court

Date of First Publication: August 14, 2025

Name of Personal Representative: Donna Breed

Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339

Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227

P: (360) 639-3393

E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com

DATED: August 14, 2025

True North Legal Services, PLLC

Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339

Attorney for Personal Representative: Donna Breed

sheriff’s repOrts

July 29, 6:09 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

July 30, 7:31 p.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Castelrock Drive.

July 31, 8:31 a.m.: Trespass on Harborview Road.

July 31, 9:27 a.m.: Theft cold call on Holeman Avenue.

July 31, 12:36 p.m.: Theft cold call on Petticote Lane.

July 31, 1:39 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

July 31, 6:17 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Bay Ridge Drive.

August 1, 11:56 a.m.: Fraud cold call on Petticote Lane.

August 1, 12:03 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Square Street.

August 1, 2:51 p.m.: Theft cold call on Nakat Way.

August 1, 5:09 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Harborview Road.

August 1, 11:30 p.m.: Harassment on Bay Road.

August 2, 9:01 a.m.: Vandalism on Birch Terrace Drive.

August 2, 11:41 a.m.: Trespass cold call on California Trail.

August 2, 12:38 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Comox Road.

August 2, 3:27 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Giles Road.

August 2, 5:21 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Arnie Road.

August 2, 5:45 p.m.: DUI arrest on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

August 2, 10:15 p.m.: Party on Holeman Avenue.

August 3, 6:29 a.m.: Death investigation on Harborview Road.

August 3, 2:45 p.m.: Theft cold call on Bay Road.

August 3, 6:50 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

August 4, 11:30 a.m.: Domestic violence on Harborview Road.

For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.

pOLiCe repOrts

August 2, 12:21 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Whitetail Loop.

August 2, 6:04 p.m.: Threat on H Street.

August 3, 2:32 a.m.: Vandalism on Ludwick Avenue.

August 4, 6:56 p.m.: Trespass on Martin Street.

August 4, 10:19 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Marine Drive.

August 5, 7:12 a.m.: Serve warrant on McGee Road.

August 5, 10:32 a.m.: Surrender of weapons on H Street.

August 5, 1:55 p.m.: Hit and

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS

1. Mongolian politician

5. Coconut palms

10. Rounded knob

14. Japanese city

15. Covers in soft material

16. Walk around 17. Ancient region in Syria

18. French painter

19. Grandmother

20. Cow part

22. Rocky peak

23. Secret plan

24. Sings to one’s lover

27. More (Spanish) 30. Father 31. Chinese philosophical principle

32. Hat

35. In agreement 37. A person’s brother or sister

38. Evil spirit

39. Monetary units

40. Partner to cheese

41. About Sun

42. A place to dance

43. Performer __ Lo Green

44. Beach accessory

45. Recipe measurement (abbr.)

46. Partly digested food

47. Pooch

48. Honorific title added to family name

49. Salts

52. Lichens genus 55. Lowest point of a ridge

56. Type of sword 60. Albanian language 61. Gold measurement

63. Italian seaport 64. Longtime late night host 65. Extremely angry 66. U. of Miami mascot

67. Mid-month day 68. Omitted from printed matter 69. Upper body part DOWN 1. Two-toed sloth 2. Cooking ingredient 3. Iranian city 4. Publicly outs 5. Steep-sided hollow 6. Spoke 7. General law or rule 8. Extravagantly theatrical

9. Very fast airplane 10. Arm bones 11. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 12. __ fide: legitimate 13. Gemstone 21. Counsels 23. Top exec 25. Cool! 26. Touch lightly 27. Extract money via taxation 28. Dyes 29. Cloying sweetness 32. Soft drinks 33. Capital of Guam 34. Chemical compound 36. The bill in a restaurant 37. Car mechanics group 38. Late comedian Newhart 40. Health care for the aged 41. Wise individuals 43. A passage with access only at one end 44. Trim

46. Former OSS 47. The upper surface of the mouth 49. Edible lily bulbs 50. Type of reef

Coming up

Books and Bites: Friday, July 15, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. July title: Chlorine: A Novel by Jade Song. Info: wcls.org.

Live Music at Station 49: Friday, August 15, 6 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring: Three Radicals. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.

Instrument “Petting Zoo” and Live Music: Saturday, August 16, 1 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Try out all the instruments the Devillies use, including bass mandolins and fiddles all for the little ones to try playing before the concert starts.

Live Music at the Park: Saturday, August 16, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Bellingham’s homegrown Irish-American folk band The Devillies perform an eclectic mix of original and traditional songs and tunes from Dear Auld Ireland and beyond.

run on H Street.

August 5, 5:55 p.m.: Harassment on Alder Street.

August 7, 2:00 p.m.: Harassment on 10th Street.

August 7, 2:22 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Peace Portal Drive.

August 7, 5:36 p.m.: Juvenile problem on 3rd Street.

August 8, 12:26 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Peace Portal Drive.

August 8, 9:03 a.m.: Drugs on H Street.

For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.

51. Vaccine developer

52. Mottled citrus fruit

53. A place to store lawn tools

54. Rare goose native to Hawaii

57. Hollywood pig

58. Musician Clapton

59. Take a chance

61. Spanish soldier

62. Mark Wahlberg comedy

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

August 14 - 20 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Live Music at Station 49: Saturday, August 16, 5 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring: The Shannanagins. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.

Whatcom Grooves Summer Music Series: Saturday, August 16, 7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Featuring the Jerry Steinhilber Trio. Held outside the library with limited seating. Bring a lawn chair. Registration required: wcls.libcal.com/event/14421686.

DJ and Dance at Station 49: Saturday, August 16, 8 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.

Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring: honky tonk country band, Coyote Creek Band. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.

School Supply Distribution and Resource Registration: Wednesday, August 20, 3–6 p.m., Blaine Middle School gym, corner of H Street and Mitchell Avenue. For eligible families. Sponsored by the Blaine School District Family Service Center.

Blaine Chamber Lunch: Wednesday, August 20, Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Speaker: Margaret Owens of the Blaine Art Gallery regarding the classes they’re offering at the gallery. $25. Info: blainechamber.com.

Free School Sports Physicals: Wednesday, August 20, 3–6 p.m., Blaine Family Service Center, next to the Blaine Middle School Gym, corner of H Street and Mitchell Avenue. Offered to Blaine students in grades 7–12. Physicals are required to participate in Blaine sports and are good for two years. Walk-in only, no appointments. Info, call Jodi Green, RN, 360/927-0301.

Borderite Community Block Party: Thursday, August 21, 4-8 p.m., Borderite Stadium. Meet the school principals and connect with community resources. Free haircuts, activities, raffles and prizes. Live music, food, drinks and treats, sports exhibitions and club booths. Sponsored by the Blaine School District and Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives.

Blaine Chamber Happy Hour Networking: Thursday, August 21, 4–5:30 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. No-host networking with local business people. Info: blainechamber.com.

Birch Bay Incorporation Association Community BBQ: Thursday, August 21, 6–8 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Join your neighbors for a fun, informative evening at the beach. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, local updates and community conversation. If you have a side dish or dessert you would like to share, bring one. Free. All ages welcome. Info: wearebirchbay.com.

Country Concert at Station 49: Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, 7 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring: Shari Rowe Band, on tour from Arizona. Tickets and Info: station49.fun.

Love Your Library Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, August 23, 9 a.m. starting in Birch Bay’s Cottonwood Beach and ending at the the Birch Bay Vogt Library. Join this fun 1.6 mile or 3.2 mile run/walk. Registration $25, includes t-shirt and bib, at: wcls.libcal.com/event/14400527. Pancake breakfast from 9:30–11 a.m., Storytime at 10 a.m., book sale and kids activities until 2 p.m. Derby Day: Saturday, August 23. Featuring crab derby, poker run and duck derby. Billy Brown crab derby, 3–7 p.m. in front of the Beach Bar, 7876 Birch Bay Drive, prizes for rockin’ red, biggest catch limit and monster crab. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

Motorcycle Run Fundraiser: Saturday, August 23, registration 7–7:45 a.m., Wings Motorcycle, 2910 Main Street, Custer. Motorcycle run, 50/50 draw, poker run. $20 for bike/rider, $10 for passenger. Info: bit.ly/4llbpXP. All proceeds benefit Puget Sound Honor Flight.

Summer Reading Celebration Party: Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. All-day, drop-in style party to celebrate the completion of our Summer Reading program! Visit any of our branches for fun activities, crafts, book recommendations, and lots of library love. Bring the whole family as we celebrate our reading accomplishments. Info: wcls.org.

Beach Exploration: Saturday, August 23, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Explore the shoreline and view marine critters at low tide. Rocks can be slippery, appropriate footwear advised. Free. Info: bbbparkandreg.org.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of August 4 to 10, 0.2 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 15.7 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 85.6°F on August 10, with a low of 52.1°F on August 8. Average high was 78.3°F and average low was 56.9°F.

Free Veggie Stand and Family Fun: Sunday, August 24, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., CTK Blaine, 674 Peace Portal Drive. Free veggies, hot dogs, bounce house and family games. Info: ctk.church/blaine.

Blaine School District Vaccine Clinic: Tuesday, August 26, 3–6 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street. Free childhood vaccines available. No insurance required. Walk-in only.

Vox Opera Performance: Wednesday, August 27, 7:30 p.m., Lairmont Manor, 405 Fieldston Road, Bellingham. Rising Waters Collective presents Vox, the Art of the Inner Monologue, a contemporary English adaptation of the chamber opera, La Voix Humaine. Info and tickets: risingwaterscollective.org.

Semiahmoo Seaside BBQ Series: Thursday, August 28, 5 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. A rotating menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and seasonal veggies. Live music by Cory Philips. Tickets $65 at semiahmoo.com.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

B y J ulia h awkins

Award-winning musician and Semiahmoo resident Dana Cohenour is helping children answer their many questions with her eighth children’s music album titled “Wonder Full” on Friday, August 15.

People may remember Cohenour as a storyteller at Blaine Public Library, where she shared the joy of picture books and stories for 11 years. Today, Cohenour’s primary focus remains children’s music, something she’s been creating for 30 years. The title of her newest album is inspired by children’s sense of wonder and the limitless nature of children’s questions, she said.

“I find it my challenge and my goal as a songwriter to find a way to simplify the message so that it is relatable for children,” Cohenour said. “I also try to respect that they can take in and understand a lot more than we think.”

Over the years Cohenour has received multiple awards for her music, including winning Creative Child Magazine Media of the Year in 2025 and 2020 as well as winning Child Magazine’s Best Children’s Music of the Year twice, according to her biography.

Each song title asks a question, including a song about climate change called “What Can We Do?” and how even children can make changes to help the planet. “Why Do I Have to Wait?” is

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a comical reflection on the difficulty of waiting that won six awards ahead of the album’s full release. The concluding song, “Answers Will Come” shares the universal message that individuals cannot hold the answers to every question.

Multiple collaborators are featured on Cohenour’s album, including Grammy nominee George Varghese. Fellow children musician and YouTube creator

Ronnie Boy Kid also appears in the song, “What Can We Do?”

When Cohenour isn’t creating music for children, she teaches music classes – also for children.

Dana’s Music Playground offers classes for young children, with the upcoming class starting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 9 in Bellingham. The classes encourage children ages one to four to engage in music while promoting early childhood learning con-

cepts.

“I’m very blessed that I have the opportunity to do these things, and I just hope that more and more kids will listen,” Cohenour said. “It is very joyful work.” Cohenour’s music is available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. More information on Dana’s Music Playground classes and other appearances can be found at musicplayground.co.

s Dana Cohenour, an award-winning children’s musician and Semiahmoo resident, will release her new album, “Wonder Full,” on Friday, August 15. File photo