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The Northern Light: May 7-13, 2026

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Spring Block Party to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

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Blaine’s Spring Block Party, set for Saturday, May 16, celebrates a new theme this year — Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is hosting the event, which includes hula performances and a vendors fair, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the intersection of Peace Portal Drive and H Street. Entrance is free.

Event coordinator Olea Mills said the parks district wanted to celebrate the diverse backgrounds that make up Blaine and saw May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a fitting occasion.

“It was such a wonderful opportunity to highlight the different types of cultures we have here,” Mills said.

About 3% of Blaine residents are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, about 4% of residents are Asian, and over 13% of residents identify as being two or more races, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Aloha Cafe co-owner Drisana Horton, who is Filipino and Pacific Islander, helped the parks district with planning this year’s theme. “For us, it’s about sharing culture through food, music and connection,” Horton wrote in a statement. “And creating an experience where people can come together, learn something new, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Hula and other cultural performances serve as the festival’s main entertainment, sharing traditional dance and storytelling. Hula Mokinoe, a hula school traveling from B.C., performs from 11 a.m. to noon on stage in front of H Street Plaza. Kanaka, a ukulele and dance trio, later takes the stage from 2 to 3 p.m.

The festival has over 50 vendors signed up to sell everything from arts and crafts to woodworking, facepainting and authentic Hawaiian shave ice. A kid zone is planned to provide family friendly entertainment, including a

(See AAPI, page 9)

Blessing of the Fleet honors Blaine fishers

Birch Bay Waterslides announces closure for 2026 season

Birch Bay Waterslides will not reopen its water park this summer, according to park management.

The water park posted a notice stating it will be closed for the 2026 season on its website and social media. No additional information was provided.

The Northern Light reached out to park owner Qiyan (Max) Li for more information on why the decision was made and his plans for the 41-year-old water park, but had not heard back by press time.

The closure comes after a turbulent few years for the park that stem from a Skagit County man being seriously injured after his legs went through a panel on the Hairpin waterslide in August of 2023. The man was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he spent two weeks and underwent at least two surgeries in the intensive care unit.

The man sued Birch Bay Waterslides for negligence in May of 2024 in Whatcom County Superior Court. The lawsuit is ongoing, with a jury trial scheduled for Aug. 26.

American Legion post raising money for wheelchair lift

Blaine’s American Legion Post 86 is looking to upgrade its accessibility for people with limited mobility, and is asking for the community’s help.

The more than 50-year-old Legion Hall, at 4580 Legion Drive, has been a place for veterans and their families to socialize, unwind, build community, and even play a few friendly games of poker. As veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars age, organizers have seen it become more difficult for some

patrons to get to the hall’s second floor, which is accessed by a switchback-style ramp.

Post commander Dennis Kaiser said that while the current ramps comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the climb can still be daunting for older veterans. Some, Kaiser said, have stopped coming to Post 86 because of the effort the ramp requires.

“We’ve had older members coming in because they can still use the walker on the long ramp,” Kaiser said. “We’ve had others who say they don’t come in

anymore because it’s just too difficult to get to the second floor.”

The solution? Constructing a lift that would allow anyone to access Post 86’s second floor, where most of the recreational and social activities are held.

Talks about fundraising and permitting began nearly two years ago, but new lifts aren’t cheap, Kaiser said. With the price of a lift about $40,000, combined with construction costs, insurance and the necessary upkeep,

(See Wheelchair lift, page 2)

The water park closed after the man’s injury at the end of the 2023 season. The park remained shuttered the following summer, as park management fulfilled reopening requirements from the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department and planned a refurbishment.

In fall of 2024, the water park announced it hired Global Management Amusement Professionals, a California-based water park consulting company, to oversee a five-year plan to

(See Waterslides, page 9)

Photo by Grace McCarthy
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Blaine veteran group raising funds for accessibility

Kaiser estimates the facility needs to raise $141,000.

Post 86 started a GoFundMe campaign online that has raised about $2,600 as of press time, and Kaiser said Post 86 has roughly $25,000 in funds committed for the lift. That leaves a gap that Kaiser hopes the local community can help bridge.

“It’s got to be a collective effort,” Kaiser said. “We definitely have had a number of organizations in the community that have been willing to step up and help.”

Those organizations include local rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, small businesses and even other American Legion posts around the state and in Canada, Kaiser said. Post 86 partnered with KISM radio last winter for a fundraising drive.

Kaiser’s father fought in Vietnam and died years later of cancer that he said was related to exposure to Agent Orange during his service. When Kaiser comes to the hall and sees family members helping their fathers into the building, he

often thinks about his father in what would have been his 85th year.

“Maybe my dad would need that lift today if he were around,” Kaiser said. “I certainly see that in a lot of these fellas who come by today.”

Post 86, the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion Squadron have up to around 500 members combined.

For those interested in donating, visit the American Legion Post 86 for an in-person donation or make a donation via GoFundMe at bit.ly/4f6gDXW.

WDFW unveils mobile app for hunting, fishing licenses

The Washington Depart -

ment of Fish and Wildlife is rolling out a new mobile app, MyWDFW, to begin the tran -

sition from paper licensing to a fully digital system. The app will

and anglers to buy, carry and manage licenses through a smartphone app, rather than relying on paper licenses.

ic licenses will be more convenient for hunters and anglers, and less expensive for the state agency.

For the upcoming 2026-27 licensing year, customers can still choose paper licenses instead of using their mobile phones, according to WDFW. Customers can switch between paper and mobile licenses anytime between now and July 8, when the licensing year begins. But once a customer chooses to use the mobile app, they cannot return to paper licenses until the following year, according to WDFW. By July 8, the department will no longer issue hunting and fishing licenses on waterproof, tear-resistant license paper, but will allow for WDFW license dealers and offices to print license products on standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper, or for licenses to be printed at home by customers.

The change comes as many other state fish and wildlife agencies have transitioned to electronic licensing and reporting. WDFW licensing division Manager Jennine Griffo said the new electron -

“With many state fish and wildlife agencies nationwide shifting to mobile licensing in recent years, demand for durable license paper has decreased. This has made existing hardware technologically obsolete, and durable paper has become harder and more expensive to source,” Griffo wrote in a statement. Anglers have been able to use electronic catch record cards through the app since April 1 to record and report catches.

The app also allows for electronic tagging for big game and turkey, and reports can be saved and uploaded automatically, even from an area without cell service or data, according to WDFW. Anglers can use the Fish Washington mobile app for fishing and crabbing, but hunters and anyone who will both hunt and fish must use the MyWDFW app.

For more information about MyWDFW, contact 360-9022464.

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Blaine's American Legion Post 86 is looking to raise $141,000 for a wheelchair lift to help aging and disabled veterans better access the facility.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Kaiser

Blaine man arrested on suspicion of third-degree child assault

A 33-year-old Blaine man was arrested for third-degree child assault after allegedly punishing a child known to him last month, resulting in large bruises.

Joshua M. Genal, 33, of Blaine, was reported to Blaine Police Department on April 17 on suspicion of reprimanding a young school-age child for stealing a bathing suit from a friend and wearing it under their clothing, according to the affidavit of prob -

able cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court. The incident was believed to have occurred on April 14.

Genal told another adult that he made the child do wall-sits for nearly two minutes and declined the child’s request to go to the bathroom, resulting in the child urinating, according to the police report. Court records show Genal also allegedly told the adult that he hit the child with a horsewhip and made the child crawl in the rain.

Blaine officers observed the child’s injuries, which included a bruise the size of a U.S. dollar bill on their shoulder blade, large bruises on both knees and a threeinch red mark on their leg.

The child described to police the wall-sits and how Genal would hit them with an object as punishment.

Genal was arrested April 17, the same day as the report, and booked into Whatcom County Jail. He was released April 20 on a $3,000 cash bond.

Genal is due to appear in court for a status conference hearing May 13.

Brigid Collins Family Sup-

port Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360-715-1563 or 877-715-1563.

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360-3122015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.

Blaine man charged with dealing, possessing child sexual abuse material

A 19-year-old Blaine man has been charged with five counts of allegedly dealing child sexual abuse material and one count of possessing the material in Whatcom County Superior Court.

Julien Barrett Grant, 19, of Blaine, was booked into Whatcom County Jail on April 16 after a nearly yearlong investigation into his alleged dealing and possessing of the illegal materials on the social media platform X.

On June 1, 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip of an X user messaging the abuse material to other people on the social media platform on April 30, 2025 and May 1, 2025. The center assigned the investigation to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office on July 28.

The affidavit of probable cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court shows that sheriff’s detectives identified Grant as the potential distributor by returns on his IP address, email and address used for online purchases.

In October, detectives interviewed Grant, who, according to court records, “stated he would ‘mess around’ by

pretending to be an underage female in order to ‘bait’ ‘pedophiles’ and ‘creepy people,’ and would get money in return.” He told investigators he wouldn’t use “actual children” and denied knowledge of possessing or sending any such materials, court records stated.

Following the interview, detectives found 19 artificial images of sexual abuse involving young children on Grant’s phone, according to court records. Investigators noted in the police report that the material could not be used in the case because it was not illegal at the time. The Washington State Legislature passed a bill this past March that will make fabricated and artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material illegal starting June 11.

Probable cause was established for the initial reports of Grant allegedly dealing CSAM to five people on X and possessing the material on April 30, 2025 and May 1, 2025, according to the sheriff’s office.

As of May 6, Grant remains in Whatcom County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail or $5,000 cash. His next court hearing is a status conference scheduled for May 13.

Brigid Collins Family Sup-

port Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.

If you or someone you know is

CITY OF BLAINE

May 11, 2026

4:00 PM – Study Session: Joint Planning Commission/ City Council Discussion

5:30 PM – Study Session: Town Hall

6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

May 12, 2026

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

May 14, 2026

6:00 PM – Planning Commission Meeting

May 25, 2026

City Offices Closed –Memorial Day 1:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting –CANCELLED

6:00 PM – City Council Meeting –CANCELLED

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

affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360-715-1563 or 877-715-1563.

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360-3122015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.

BLAINE PUBLIC WORKS Announces Start of Circuit 11 Electrical Project April 23, 2026

The City of Blaine Public Works Department announces the start of the Circuit 11 Electrical Project, a major infrastructure improvement effort beginning April 15, 2026, along Semiahmoo Parkway. Construction is expected to continue into the summer of 2026.

This project will replace aging electrical infrastructure serving the Semiahmoo area, improving system reliability for Blaine’s citizens. Work will occur primarily within the Semiahmoo Parkway corridor. Construction activity should be anticipated during working hours with minimal impacts on traffic. The Pathway may also be closed in the construction zone for pedestrian safety. Blaine Public Works will coordinate closely to minimize disruptions and maintain access for emergency services, residents, and businesses.

The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during construction. Updates on traffic impacts and construction progress will be shared on the City of Blaine’s website.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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

Sincerely, Blaine Public Works (360) 332-8820

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Whatcom County Jail in downtown Bellingham.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Whatcom County Jail.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
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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)

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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

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Northern Light

Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXXI, No 46

Circulation: 11,000 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

The Editor:

Unlike Coupeville, Lynden and La Conner, Blaine has long-struggled to embrace public participation to achieve a strong, vibrant community-lead vision and plan for its downtown.

The state’s Growth Management Act — requiring Blaine to initiate “early and continuous” public engagement — never happens. The repeated recommendations of consultants for Blaine to engage the community are ignored.

This mounting failure has now culminated in the “Wild West,” “Hail Mary” jettison of our downtown building codes. The city has transferred accountability to profit-seeking developers to create the vision and plan for Blaine’s downtown. The Blaine community once again ignored.

This impulsive giveaway of tens of millions of dollars or your downtown comes with no strings attached, no negotiation and no community input. Tossed aside is the incredible potential of Blaine as a scenic, ocean-side downtown with resounding beauty and historic small-town charm.

Desperation is not leadership. Nor is the consistent effort to deny the public meaningful participation in their community.

Glen Pentland

Blaine

The Editor:

I patronize and truly appreciate local businesses in Blaine. Although I am only a part-time resident, I believe that we should all support our local community and neighbors, especially our dining and drinking establishments. Recently, while enjoying a weekly trivia contest at a local spot, The Vault Wine Bar, I was disappointed to see so few customers inside. I have seen this at other establishments downtown.

Folks, I encourage you to utilize your hometown businesses. Spend some of your disposable income here. They have enough issues with our friendly Canadians not showing up in droves and this troubled economy.

I don’t think you want more businesses closing in town.

Please go out and enjoy some food. You have lots of choices here.

Pizza, fish and chips, ice cream, steak, hamburgers, breakfast, pad thai, sandwiches, beer, butter chicken, shaved ice, sushi and a glass of caber-

Blaine Primary School is hosting its annual May Art Walk in downtown Blaine and in the IGA Market shopping center through the end of May. Businesses across town are displaying art in their windows from each of the school’s 20 classes. Participating businesses include Bella Boutique, Chada Thai, Columbia Bank, Ttowa Sushi and Westside Pizza, among others. For a full list of businesses, visit the Blaine school district’s website at bit.ly/4cQNy1o.

Primary school art displayed around Blaine Opinion Letters

net to name a few …

The Editor:

While David Ensign is correct that ZIP codes are designed for efficient mail delivery, his argument overlooks the practical and economic value they carry for communities like Birch Bay. With a population of over 9,000 — significantly larger than nearby Blaine — Birch Bay is more than deserving of its own geographic distinction. If residents, visitors and businesses already recognize it as a unique destination, then aligning that identity with a dedicated ZIP code is not merely symbolic — it’s practical.

Addresses matter in everyday life. Whether locating a business, ordering services, or navigating unfamiliar areas, clarity reduces confusion. Currently, listing Blaine forces many to double-check locations, adding unnecessary friction.

A Birch Bay ZIP code would not redefine the community — it would simply reflect what already exists while improving efficiency and visibility. Rather than being a symbolic gesture, it is a logical step that supports both residents and local economic activity.

The Editor:

Coming soon is my new book, “A Breath.” It is about my husband and I’s unique life and love story. The book should be released in the fall.

I had died in silence, enveloped in shadows of my own despair, you came, a quiet flame, your breath found me there. One gentle inhalation, a whisper to come back across the void. And life stirred once again in my chest. I thought the spark was destroyed.

Since that pulse of air, we have moved as one, through the storms and endless tides, under the rising sun, moon and stars, “a breath,” a fragile gift.

The Editor:

“Concurrence” is a series of events happening simultaneously; for first responders, concurrence means need for assistance in multiple locations simultaneously.

Whatcom County Fire District 21 has three staffed fire stations in Birch Bay, Blaine and near Bellingham serving about 33,800 residents. Both population and emergency call volume have increased since 2014; concurrence is now about 30%. FD21’s goal is a response time under 10 minutes, but this goal is increasingly unmet. If the crew and equipment of the closest station is dispatched, another station farther away must be mobilized. Response times over 10 minutes are dangerous for us and devastating to first responders. Raising the levy to $1.20/$1,000 assessed home value increases a homeowner’s monthly property tax by about $18/month, will open and staff Station 62 in Semiahmoo, and help everyone in north Whatcom County by decreasing response times. Support our first responders and vote “yes” for the levy restoration.

Jennifer Plombon

The Editor:

Americans are going down a yellow brick road, not unlike the Wizard of Oz fairytale.

The Democrats are Dorothy as she stumbles through misadventures. The scared lion is a Congress that hasn’t the courage to protect democracy; the Senate, played by a tin man with no heart, stands by, while the wizard creates wars. The Senate even looked the other way while protesting Americans were murdered in our cities. And the straw man without a brain is the conservative Supreme Court who gut the Constitution whenever the wizard demands it.

The wizard, Donald Trump, is just an angry, misguided and convicted (but unpunished) felon wearing a scary bully’s mask provided by Project 2025. Your taxes pay for this show. Have no fear fellow Americans. In the end, the wizard is impeached, Congress replaced and judges are seen as enemies of the Constitution they were sworn to uphold.

End of fairytale.

Cathy Taggett Birch Bay

Please send letters to letters@daffodilpress.net no later than noon on Monday.

Photos courtesy of Terre Shapiro

Blessing of the Fleet honors fishers for 42nd year

Dozens of people gathered for the 42nd annual Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday at Blaine Harbor. The Fisherman’s Memorial Committee hosted the ceremony to honor local fishers who've died and bless the boats preparing for the upcoming season. The event included prayer, music performances and speeches by dignitaries including state Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward. Committee chair Gary Dunster read the names of the 42 fishers who've died as Blaine resident Charlie Hawkins rang a bell for each person. The audience was invited to place a flower on the wreath in remembrance of the fishers. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members aboard the Sound Star laid the wreath to rest in Semiahmoo Bay.

Photos by Grace McCarthy

Borderites prepare for conference playoffs

The postseason arrives this upcoming weekend, and with it a ton of action ahead for Blaine teams searching for a spot in the 1A State playoffs.

In the upcoming bi-district tournaments, boys soccer will face Lynden Christian at home, baseball will look to avenge last year’s postseason loss with a game against Overlake, and softball awaits its playoff seeding fate.

SOFTBALL

Blaine finished the regular season in resounding fashion, going on the road to beat Sehome 23-0 on Monday. The Borderites finished the year on a four-game winning streak that saw the team compile a combined score of 65-13.

Blaine ended the regular season in second place in 1A Northwest Conference (NWC) play with a 12-9 overall record and 9-6 record against conference opponents, just behind Lynden Christian (13-6, 11-2

NWC).

Against Sehome, senior catcher Aaliyah Bowman stole the show. Despite taking a hard foul ball off her catching wrist early in the game, Bowman hit for the cycle (that’s a single, double, triple and home run) and drove in a whopping 10 RBIs.

The Borderites hit three home runs, with Aaliyah Broyan and Susannah Bogle tagging in for a pair of bombs to go along with Bowman’s.

Mesa Puls, Blaine’s undisputed ace, had one of her best games of the season, pitching a complete game shutout while allowing just one hit to go along with seven strikeouts.

The District 1/4 1A Tournament seedings won’t be released until Sunday. But by finishing in second place in 1A NWC, Blaine avoided a play-in tournament scheduled for this weekend that will see Mount Baker, Meridian and Nooksack Valley duke it out for a final spot in the bi-district tournament.

The Borderites will get a much-needed break before postseason action begins Friday, May 15, at Fort Borst Park in Centralia.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

BASEBALL

The Borderites finished the regular season with a 4-2 win over Granite Falls on Monday, thanks to a 3-for-3 hitting performance from Aaron Garza and 10 strikeouts from Josh Cochran. The win cemented Blaine’s 8-12 overall record, going 5-10 in NWC play. The Borderites finished the season in second place in NWC 1A, below Lynden Christian (13-6, 9-6 NWC). Cochran had a dazzling performance on the mound for the Borderites, pitching the final four innings of the game while allowing just two hits en route to his fourth win of the regular season. Cochran finished the season with a 4-4 record, a sub-1.00 earned run average, and compiled 68 strikeouts over 41 innings, according to whatcompreps.com. The ju-

More SPORTS, Page 11

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Blaine pitcher Mesa Puls threw seven shutout innings en route to a 23-0 win over Sehome on Monday. The Borderites will begin the District 1/4 1A Tournament on Friday, May 15 in Centralia.
Photo by Nolan Baker

Active S eniors

How seniors can build their social networks in retirement

Social isolation and loneliness can have a notably adverse effect on a person’s overall health. Roughly 12% of older individuals experience loneliness, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health, qual-

May Blaine Senior Center Lunch Menu

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Thu, May 7: Cheese Ravioli w/ Vegetable Marinara, Italian Vegetable Blend, Garlic Toast, Caesar Salad, Peaches

Fri, May 8: Classic Eggs Benedict, Sausage Link, Roasted Potatoes, Cheese Blintz w/ Berry Compote, Fresh Fruit Medley

Mon, May 11: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, Capri Blend Vegetable, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Banana Cream Pudding

Tue, May 12: Sausage & Shrimp Gumbo, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Tropical Fruit Salad

Wed, May 13: Swedish Meatballs, Egg Noodles, Dill Carrots, Spinach Salad, Fresh Apple Slices

Thu, May 14: Chicken Ala King, Brown Rice, Brussels Sprouts, Garden Salad, Strawberry Cream Salad

Fri, May 15: Taco Salad, Cornbread, Sliced Oranges

Mon, May 18: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Baked Yam, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Berry Crisp

Tue, May 19: Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, Potato Wedges, Cucumber Salad, Fresh Fruit

Wed, May 20: Birthday Lunch — Cranberry Mustard Pork Loin, Wild Rice Pilaf, Green Beans Almondine, Spinach Salad, Birthday Cake

Thu, May 21: Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Country Gravy, Garden Salad, Applesauce

Fri, May 22: Chicken Taco Soup, Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fresh Pineapple

Mon, May 25: Closed for Memorial Day

Tue, May 26: Carnitas Street Tacos w/ Cilantro & Lime, Spanish Rice, Corn Salad, Rice Pudding

Wed, May 27: Korean Beef Bulgogi, Basmati Rice, Asian Vegetables, Asian Slaw, Mandarin Oranges

Thu, May 28: Lemon Pepper Cod, Roasted Yams, Normandy Vegetable Blend, Coleslaw, Orange Sherbet

Fri, May 29: Chicken Apple & Pecan Salad, Oatmeal Bread, Fresh Red Grapes

Subject to change. While quantities last.

ity of life and even their life expectancy, according to the World Health Organization.

Seniors have much to gain when they take steps to avoid social isolation. Seniors who are concerned about the prospect of social isolation or loneliness or those already experiencing such feelings can try these strategies to build their social networks in retirement.

• Reconnect with old friends. It’s easy for adults to lose touch with old friends. By the time many adults reach middle age, professional and personal obligations can leave little time for a thriving social life. Successful professionals may be preoccupied with work projects, while parents may be juggling their own hectic schedules with their children’s

obligations.

Come retirement, many of those responsibilities have ended, making this a perfect time to reconnect with old friends who also might have extra free time on their hands. Reach out through social media, text message or even a phone call, and let the situation unfold organically from there.

• Take advantage of community offerings. Organizations, such as Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, sponsor events and trips for seniors in an effort to encourage seniors to get out of the house. Retirees can take advantage of these opportunities, which tend to attract like-minded individuals with the same interests.

• Irrigation Prep:

• Start a local club or group. Starting a club based on a particular activity is another great way for seniors to build a social network in retirement. Take to social media and express your interest in starting a book club or walking group. Community-sponsored bus trips, clubs and groups tend to attract people with similar interests, providing a built-in pathway to friendship.

• Reconnect with your faith. Houses of worship also offer a great way to meet locals and build relationships based on a shared identity. Faith-based communities provide a sense

of belonging that can help retirees overcome social isolation and loneliness.

• Open yourself to new experiences. Trying something new is another great way to make friends. Local agencies can offer seniors in-person workshops covering a wide range of activities. These offerings are a great way to discover a new pastime and meet people along the way.

Social isolation and loneliness poses a significant threat to millions of seniors. But there are many ways for seniors to build their social networks in retirement.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of William Johnston, Deceased. NO. 26-4-00365-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Robert Lange, Deceased. NO. 26-400347-37. 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: April 30, 2026

Personal Representative: Karen Lange 4854 152nd Place SE Bellevue, WA 98006

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. 26 4 00347 37 Legal

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: April 30, 2026

Personal Representative: Mary K. Becker 4982 Fremont Street 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. 26-4-00365-37.

In re the Estate of: CHARLES D. BUCKLEY, Deceased. No. 26-4-00380-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer E. Slattery 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: April 27, 2026 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: May 1, 2026

Name of Personal Representative: RICHARD L. JONES (AKA DICK JONES)

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

DATED: April 27, 2026.

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

(Waterslides, continued from page 1)

Waterslide closure for 2026 season

A guest rides a slide at Birch Bay Waterslides on Aug. 5, 2025. The water park announced it will not reopen for the 2026 summer season.

upgrade facilities.

The water park reopened for its 40th anniversary last summer after the first round of upgrades. Improvements included removing the Hairpin waterslide, structural upgrades to the tower slides, repainting the rides bright colors, and adding new amenities such as cabanas and a bar. Lifeguard and management training was also prioritized, according to park management.

Birch Bay Waterslides has drawn community members and tourists alike to its water park at 4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Road since 1985. The park has over a handful of slides, children’s pool, hot tub, concession stand, bar, lounging areas and gift shop.

(AAPI, continued from page 1)

Spring Block Party to celebrate

AAPI Heritage Month

candy lei-making station, coconut toss, fishing game and other yard activities.

Aloha Cafe is setting up a tiki bar outside, and across the street, Border Town Pizza will have a beer garden serving brews and pizza slices in its parking lot. Festival fare is also expected, with vendors selling hot dogs, churros and snacks.

Road closures will cut vehicle access to one block of Peace Portal Drive, from Martin to H streets, and one block of H Street at the intersection of Peace Portal Drive. The road closures will start just before the event and run until it ends.

The festival started as Blaine Oyster Fest in 2023 and became the Spring Block Party in 2024, when the oyster festival moved to the fall. As the celebration evolves, Mills said the parks district is interested in showcasing a new culture each year.

“A traditional PolyFest is all about community and coming together,” Mills said. “If we can get families out to celebrate the community here, then that’s a success.”

For any schedule updates or changes, visit the parks website at bit.ly/3OZwQDS.

Mary Alice Brimmer

May 3, 1930 – April 30, 2026

Mary Alice Brimmer of Whatcom County passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, WA, surrounded by love and care, just days before her 96th birthday.

Mary was born May 3, 1930, in Neche, ND, the daughter of Shanley and Zoe Horgan. She married the love of her life, Raymond Brimmer, and they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. During Raymond’s career in immigration, they had the opportunity to live and raise their family in many different places.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her children: Steve (Sara) Brimmer of Blaine, Larry (Nan) Brimmer of Bothell, Nancy (Mark) Serebrin of Arizona, Julie (Don) Nyland of Lynden, and Robert Brimmer of Chicago. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her beloved granddaughter, Lisa; her three sisters and one brother.

Mary dedicated many years volunteering at the St. Joseph Catholic Church food bank in Ferndale, where she faithfully served her community. Mary was a member of the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially if it involved winning a card game. Mary also enjoyed bingo, painting, crafts, puzzles, and staying active in group activities. Some of her happiest memories were made on trips to Hawaii and visits with family in Arizona.

Mary will be remembered for her sweetness, caring heart, unwavering faith and competitive spirit.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Christian Health Care Center for their exceptional care and the love they showed Mary, as well as to Hospice for their comfort and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church in Blaine, WA, with a reception to follow. In honor of Mary’s love for Hawaii, flowers, and bright colors, guests are encouraged to wear bright, colorful attire as we celebrate her beautiful life. A Rosary service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Zaccaria

October 28, 1960 – April 2, 2026

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Zaccaria of Blaine, WA passed away on April 2, 2026. Joe was the youngest of four children, born to Antonio Zaccaria and Josephine Larocci on October 28, 1960 in Providence, RI.

Joe’s life was marked by a love and concern for other people. This led him to a career in law enforcement and security, which included time in the Providence Police department, working in security for Pinkerton in Bangkok, Thailand, and with Customs and Border Patrol in Blaine, WA. Joe cared about the safety and security of others, even those he did not know, and would put himself in harm’s way in order to protect them.

As a young man, Joe also developed a love for God and a desire to share that with others. In his 20s he and a friend traveled the country to share about the hope that they had from their relationships with Jesus. As Joe got older, these two loves made themselves evident in all that he did. Joe opened a storefront and got ordained as a chaplain in Blaine with the only purpose of showing God’s love to whomever needed it however they needed, including helping refugees, people going through life crises, or just offering a listening ear to whomever needed to talk.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Anthony Zaccaria, and his sisters, Beverly Zaccaria and Deborah Dispirito. He is survived by eight nieces and nephews, his church family at Blaine Christian Fellowship, and the many friends he made along the way, from long-time friends to people who encountered Joe’s smiling face at the local coffee shops.

A memorial service will be held at Blaine Christian Fellowship, 902 Adelia St. Blaine, WA on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donations can be made to the Blaine Community Assistance Program.

sheriff’s reports

April 20, 7:24 p.m.: Assault-simple on Garibaldi Lane.

April 20, 8:03 p.m.: Drugs on 2nd Street.

April 21, 2:43 p.m.: Hit and run on H Street.

April 22, 10 a.m.: Burglary on H Street.

April 23, 4:18 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Madison Avenue.

April 23, 4:47 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.

April 24, 2:26 p.m.: Theft on Bennet Drive.

April 25, 8:41 p.m.: Harassment on Martin Street.

April 25, 10:29 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Sea Smoke Way.

April 26, 1:34 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Henley Street.

April 26, 2:43 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Loomis Trail Road.

April 26, 4:14 p.m.: Domestic violence on Haynie Road.

April 28, 8:44 a.m.: Death investigation on Twilight Place.

April 28, 6:59 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

April 28, 8:36 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Delta Line Road.

April 30, 4:59 p.m.: Shots on Dean Drive.

April 30, 11:11 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Park Lane.

May 1, 8:33 a.m.: Domestic physical on Holeman Avenue.

May 1, 8:33 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Blaine Road.

May 1, 2:32 p.m.: Suicidal subject

on Blaine Road.

May 1, 3:41 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Sunrise and Badger Roads.

May 1, 3:43 p.m.: Welfare check on Sunrise and Badger roads.

May 1, 3:44 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Sunrise Road.

May 1, 4:43 p.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

May 1, 4:51 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Square Street.

May 2, 1:28 p.m.: Vehicle recovery on Birch Terrace Drive.

May 2, 4:20 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

May 3, 6:48 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive.

May 3, 9:48 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Sunrise Road.

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.

CrossWord

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.

Coming up

“Legally Blonde: The Musical”: 2 p.m. matinée May 9, and 7 p.m. May 7–9, Blaine Performing Arts Center. Blaine High School students perform “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Recommended for ages 13 and older. General admission $12, students/military/seniors $10 at bit.ly/4cBEaNB.

REVIVAL in Blaine: 6 p.m., May 7–9, The Christian Way Community Church, 1733 H Street. Live speakers and music.

Beginner Friendly Spring Walk: Northern State Ghost Town: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 8, 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. Registration required. Information/registration: bbbparkandrec.org.

Washington State Basic Boater Education Course: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., May 11–14, June 8–11. The online course on Zoom 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.

Books and Bites: 1 to 2:30 p.m., May 15, Blaine Library. Join for this month’s title, “Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir” by Tessa Hulls. Beach explorations: Clamming 101: 10:30 a.m., May 16 and noon on May 18, Birch Bay State Park, meet at BP Heron Center. If you are planning to harvest clams please have a current clamming license. Registration not required. Information: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine’s Spring Block Party: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 16, downtown Blaine. This year’s Spring Block Party brings the community together to recognize the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The event includes Hula and cultural performances by Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe and Ki’ihele Music, Traditional food and drinks, hands-on crafts and kids activities, local vendors and artisan street fair, beer garden and more. Event sponsor: Peas in a Pod Mobile Detailing. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Community Dinner: 5 to 6:30 p.m., May 21, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Open to everyone. Last community dinner before summer hiatus. Enjoy a delicious meal and connect with neighbors. The cost is by donation. Every contribution helps support future community meals and programs. Offered by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District #2. Questions: 360-656-6416.

Summer Hike: Lake Whatcom: 9 a.m., May 22. The bus departs from the Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Cost is generally $5 to $10. Offered by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2. Questions: 360-656-6416. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.

ACROSS

1. Large dung beetle

7. Gambling game __-lo 10. Further along 12. Type of tobacco 13. Looked for 14. Silk fabric

15. Computer method to solve equations 16. As fast as can be done (abbr.) 17. Tear 18. Brews 19. “Famous” cookie baker

21. Women’s Army Corps

22. Front parts of an animal 27. It’s causing quite a stir 28. Beloved March holiday 33. 12th letter of the Greek alphabet 34. More impudent 36. Indicates center 37. Young woman (French) 38. A cause of distress 39. Santa’s helper 40. Hillside 41. Many wombs 44. Is afraid of 45. Popular baked goods ingredient 48. Popular computers 49. Conceiving of 50. Google certification (abbr.) 51. Sturdy DOWN

1. Bridge building d 1. Peruse quickly 2. Automobiles 3. Razorbill genus 4. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 5. Consumed 6. A place to sleep 7. Small seeds 8. Legendary law man Wyatt 9. Female sheep 10. Indigenous peoples of eastern Siberia 11. A place ships

dock 12. Reciprocal of sine 14. Discomfort 17. British Air Aces 18. Exit sleep 20. Solar energetic particle 23. Plagues characterized by starvation 24. Short musical composition 25. Trauma center 26. Habitual twitching 29. A place where checks are exchanged (abbr.)

30. Decameter 31. Hinged surface in a wing 32. Shouting 35. Sports official 36. Volcanic craters 38. Supportive device 40. It’s part of a rosary 41. Two-toed sloth 42. Body art 43. Let out 44. Foreign medical

graduate

45. Nonprofit journalism organization (abbr.)

46. Couples say it

47. Bird’s beak

THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

April 30 - May 7 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Bellingham Shoestring Circus: May 29 through June 14, under the big top tent by the Waterfront Pump Track in Bellingham. Tickets: shoestringcircus.com.

World Wildlife Dance Performance: 6 p.m., Saturday, May 16 and 1 p.m., Sunday, May 17, Blaine Performing Arts Center. Day-to-Day Dance students perform. $15 general admission, children under two free. Tickets at the door or daytodaydance.com/events.

Ongoing

Blaine Primary School Art Walk: Month of May, Each of 20 K-2 classrooms will have their art displayed at businesses all over Blaine, downtown (H Street and Peace Portal Drive) and the IGA Market shopping center.

Blaine Library closed for construction: Through May 8. Limited door side service available.

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, firstserve basis. Info: 360-332-8040.

Blaine Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Monday, 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 Monday and Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 500 C Street. Info: 360-332-6350 or info@blainefoodbank.org.

Roll and Renew: 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Blaine Pavillion, 635 8th Street. $5 drop in. Offered by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2. Questions: 360-656-6416.

Lego Club: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Design, build and share at this drop-in program for ages 4 and up. LEGO® bricks provided. Info: wcls.org.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of April 27 to May 3, no precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-todate precipitation record is 14.6 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 75.1°F on May 3 with a low of 43.5°F on April 30. Average high was 69°F and average low was 47.4°F.

Off the Shelf: A Teen Hangout: 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Looking for a place to relax after school? Come hang out, play games, listen to music, be creative or just chill with friends.

Tech Help: 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance from library staff. Info: wcls.org. Chair Yoga with Kelsey: 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. $5 drop in. Offered by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Questions: 360-656-6416.

Grief Share: 6 p.m., Thursday, North Bay Community Church. Grief Share groups offer a safe, welcoming place to understand your emotions, learn how to cope, and find steady support along the way. Contact grief@northbay.cc for more information.

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

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Sports, Continued from page 6

Roff finished the day going 2-for-3 batting with an RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

nior should play a prominent role in Blaine’s quest at qualifying for the state tournament.

Garza capped off a stellar season at the dish with a great performance against Granite Falls, driving in fellow middle infielder Kai Kerwin in the first inning for Blaine’s only RBI on the day. The Borderites added three runs in the top of the seventh inning after a series of fielding errors by Granite Falls and some aggressive baserunning.

Garza finished the season with 23 hits, seven doubles and 18 RBIs, all among the highest marks in the conference.

If Blaine is to make a run through a crowded District 1/2 1A Tournament that starts this weekend, the team will need more of the same solid hitting from sluggers Garza, Kerwin, Cochran and Isaac Bouma. A couple surprise hot streaks from the younger players wouldn’t hurt either.

Blaine will face off against Overlake 10 a.m. Saturday at Sehome High School for the opening round of the District 1/2 1A Tournament. The double-elimination tournament means Blaine will have a chance at redemption if it loses the opening game. With a win, Blaine will play

later that afternoon against Cedar Park Christian, Meridian or Granite Falls. With a loss, the Borderites would face the loser of the same trio of teams. Meridian and Granite Falls were scheduled to play each other in a loser-out game on May 6 (after press time).

Blaine lost the opening round of last year’s bi-district tournament to Overlake 6-0, and will look to exact some revenge in Bellingham.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

BOYS SOCCER

Blaine boys soccer capped off the regular season with a 2-0 loss to Bellingham at home on April 30, finishing the year in third place among 1A NWC teams with a 2-12-1 record.

Goals were hard to come by this season, with Blaine averaging just half a goal per game. The team’s two wins, however, did come against both 1A rivals below the Borderites in the final standings, with victories over Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley.

The Borderites have a daunting task ahead, with the opening round of the District 1 1A Tournament against sec-

Salary per hour varies based on position – No Benefits

Applications are being accepted for Captain, Senior Deck Hand, and Deck Hand. These are part-time, seasonal positions for approximately 20 to 40 hours per week.

Required availability Thursday through Sunday, May through September.

Other workdays may be possible.

Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s job page, https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/blainewa?

The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ond place Lynden Christian (7-8-1, 6-8-1 NWC) set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Borderite Stadium. With a win, the Borderites would likely face first place Meridian (9-4-3, 9-4-2 NWC) in the second round at 7 p.m. Monday. With a loss, the Borderites would face either Mount Baker or Nooksack Valley at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Luckily for the Borderites, the road to the state tournament runs through Blaine, with Borderite Stadium playing host to all six District 1 1A postseason games. Hopefully the hometown faithful can will

the boys on to the state tournament.

Standings and records provided by nwcathletics.com

BOYS GOLF

Blaine boys golf battled it out with 15 other NWC teams at Whidbey Golf Club on Tuesday for the final event of the regular season.

The Borderites finished 15th out of 16 in the field, with a team score of 486, but still produced some solid individual performances on the Oak Harbor links.

Steven Phelps-McDonald led

all Borderites with a score of 92, which tied the junior for 41st place in a massive field of nearly 100 golfers.

Ryan Kloes finished 55th after shooting a 93, and Peyton Bouma tied for 62nd place with a score of 95.

The 1A District 1 golf tournament will tee off at 2 p.m. Monday, with the top 18 1A NWC golfers battling over two days for a chance in the 1A State Tournament. Playoff rosters have yet to be announced.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

Number of employees: One and volunteers. How long in business: Since September 2025.

Description of the business: We offer a wide variety of new and gently used, stylish name-brand clothing and shoes for the whole family, along with seasonal home décor. Our mission is to make luxury accessible by providing high-quality, name-brand items at affordable prices—because everyone deserves to feel confident and stylish without overspending. Unlike consignment shops, we personally select and purchase every item, allowing us to carefully curate our inventory and bring you the best value.

How the business started: I’ve always been a bargain shopper, which has helped me provide my daughter, nieces, nephews, and other family members with things they want at prices we can afford. That experience inspired me to take it a step further and help other families in the community. I specialize in finding namebrand items at discounted prices, making any necessary alterations or improvements, and offering them at a fair price—still well below retail. My goal is to make quality, desirable items more accessible to families who may not otherwise be able to justify the cost.

Future goals: I plan to grow my business by expanding into personalized gifts for any occasion, including custom shirts, hats, mugs, and more. I also aim to continue increasing the variety of items I offer, giving families even more affordable options while maintaining quality and value.

Blaine shortstop Courtney Roff, l., throws a ball to first base during the first inning of Blaine's 23-0 win over Sehome on Monday.

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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.

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