January 14 - 20, 2016
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Changes at Semiahmoo Shores, page 2
Ridnour gives hoops to school, page 7
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Health and Wellness special section, page 9
Low oil prices Powerball mania delay Blaine harbor cleanup projects By Steve Guntli
(See Marina, page 2)
s Customers line up to purchase tickets for the $1.5 billion Powerball drawing at Hill’s Chevron on Peace Portal Drive. Chevron employees said the store has been selling tickets nonstop as thousands of Canadians cross the border for their chance to win the all-time highest prize. The Shell station on H Street has reported $60,000 in Powerball ticket sales this week alone. Photo by Steve Guntli
City, port to hold public meeting on pier road repairs By Steve Guntli The city of Blaine and the Port of Bellingham will give the public a chance to weigh in on the future of the road leading to the Blaine pier. On Tuesday, January 19, the city and port will hold a public meeting to present the new design for the pier road at
the end of Marine Drive and field questions from the public. The pier road has been in disrepair since the mid 1990s, but was finally closed to vehicle traffic after heavy machinery installing pilings revealed serious structural flaws. Pedestrians can still access the pier on foot. The port and Blaine’s public works de-
Performer brings history of civil rights to Blaine By Steve Guntli Gary Giles has been performing since he was barely old enough to walk, and his talent has taken him around the globe. Now, he’s ready to share what he calls the most important work he’s ever done with the Blaine and Birch Bay community. “We Shall Not Sleep: The Story of Our Ancestors” is a one-man multimedia performance, written by and starring Giles.
Giles will portray three prominent figures from the history of the civil rights movement: Frederick Douglass, the statesman and abolitionist; William Still, who started the Underground Railroad; and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The show will debut at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 17 at the Blaine United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street. Giles originally wrote the show to perform for inmates in Pennsylvania correctional facilities.
“I wanted those young men, many of whom are black, to get a sense of all of our shared history,” Giles said. From there, the performance evolved from one man alone on a stage to a multimedia presentation with music, video and audio effects that encapsulate the history of the civil rights movement. In writing the show, Giles spent hours researching (See Giles, page 10)
partment had previously entered into an interlocal agreement to fix the pier in 2015 and hired the design firm Reid Middleton to come up with some alternative designs. The city will be presenting three of these for feedback on Tuesday. The choices under consideration range (See Pier, page 3)
INSIDE
Two environmental improvement projects in Blaine Marina have been put on hold until the state can drum up more funds. The Port of Bellingham, which has oversight over the cleanups at Blaine Marina and Westman Marine as well as several other projects in Bellingham, announced the projects would be losing funding due to a loss of tax revenue from crude oil. The state allocated $28 million to go towards cleanup projects in Bellingham and Blaine, but due to the price of crude oil, $14 million of that amount may be lost. The projects have been put on hold until state legislators find more money or the price of oil increases. The projects were to be funded by grants from the state’s toxic cleanup programs. One grant, the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), draws its funds from a .7 percent tax placed on hazardous material, such as crude oil, that enters the state. Since crude oil is currently valued at $34 a barrel, nearly half its value as of June 2015, the funding the port was counting on to complete the cleanups has drastically shrunk. The loss of MTCA funds will affect projects like the Blaine Marina cleanups and an overhaul of the Harris Avenue shipyard in Fairhaven, but not projects that are already underway, such as the Whatcom Waterway cleanup. The Washington State Department of Ecology identified hazardous chemicals near Blaine over the course of a three-year study that concluded May 2015. Blaine Marina, Inc. served as a marine refueling station for nearly 50 years, and researchers found several potentially toxic chemicals in the water and soil near the site. Researchers believe most of the hazardous materials in the soil were left there after an accidental fuel release in the summer of 1990. Researchers also found evidence of chemical contamination at Westman Marine on the south end of Blaine Harbor in
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . 15 Coming Up . . . . . 15 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 15
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
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From page 1
2013. The site was considered a low-quantity polluter for several years, but a series of chemical leaks throughout the 1990s resulted in higher than average heavy metal levels. The cost of the cleanup for the Blaine Marina and Westman Marine sites are estimated by the port at $2.2 million and $4 million, respectively. Once underway, both projects are expected to take between five and eight
years to complete. Workers will treat the contaminated water and soil and remove crumbling infrastructure and outdated buildings from the site. Port spokesman Mike Hogan said the port sent representatives to lobby for funding from the state legislature in Olympia, which began its first session of the year on January 11. “At the same time, we’ll be discussing how to adjust the schedule for the remaining projects and prioritize projects from there,” Hogan said. “A big factor for which projects will be dealt
with first is the potential harm to human health and the environment, so we’ll be assessing which sites pose the biggest threats.” The legislature has the power to decide how to obtain funding, whether by issuing bonds or reappropriating funds from low-priority projects. The state will also decide which local projects to prioritize at that time. “Redevelopment of those properties in Blaine has been a big priority for us at the port,” Hogan said. “We’re going to work hard to make sure that funding is in place as soon as possible.”
City to hold public hearing about changes to Semiahmoo projects By Steve Guntli The city of Blaine is asking for input on proposed changes to the Semiahmoo Shores project on Semiahmoo spit. Semiahmoo Shores, formerly known as the Seagrass Cottages development, was approved in 2006. The development, originally a Trillium Corporation project, would add 68 duplexes and multiplexes to Semiahmoo spit. In 2015, city council approved an
amendment to the Semiahmoo Master Plan to reduce that number to 62 duplexes. The project’s current developer, DBW Whatcom LLC, asked the city to hold a public hearing to approve the new layouts and designs for the Semiahmoo Shores development. Real estate design and management firm AVT Consulting has submitted an application to oversee the first wave of construction, including 16 duplexes. AVT Con-
sulting’s application will be discussed at the same public hearing on January 28. One duplex, built by Roosendale-Honcoop Construction of Bellingham, is mostly finished and will serve as a model for development going forward. If the plan is approved, construction on the first 16 duplexes will begin in April and is expected to finish in November. The pubic hearing will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 7 p.m. in Blaine City Council chambers.
School district seeks M&O levy By Ian Ferguson Ballots for the February 9 special election will be mailed to Whatcom County voters on Wednesday, January 20. One measure on the ballot affects Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts voters. The Blaine school district is seeking a fouryear maintenance and operations (M&O) levy to cover day-
to-day operations and upkeep of the school district. The projected collection rates are as follows: $1.98 in 2017, $2.01 in 2018, $2.04 in 2019 and $2.06 in 2020 (amounts are per $1,000 of assessed property value). The total projected collection amounts are $7 million, $7.17 million, $7.34 million and $7.5 million. The proposed levy replaces
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the current M&O levy, which expires at the end of 2016. The Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Mt. Baker school districts are also seeking replacement M&O levies. Of the seven educational levies on the February ballot, Blaine’s rates are the lowest. Ballots can be returned by mail or drop box. Mailed in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, February 9. Drop boxes will be open on Wednesday, January 20 and close at 8 p.m. on February 9. Ballot drop box locations are listed on the county auditor’s website. The voters’ guide is also available online through the auditor’s office at whatcomcounty.us/1732/Current-Election.
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January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
Pier ... From page 1
from building a two-lane road, a one-lane road or just a pedestrian and bike path. The option chosen will determine whether the harbor bulkhead will need to be repaired or replaced. The latter will certainly be required if vehicle access to the pier is chosen. The meeting will be conducted like an open house. City and port staff will answer questions about the future of the pier road and give a rough timeline for the
project and provide some cost estimates. Rebuilding the pier road has been a complicated process, as the city and the port have disagreed on which government entity is responsible for the repairs. The road is owned by the city. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blaine City Hall. The proposed designs can also be viewed online at cityofblaine. com and portofbellingham.com. Display boards illustrating the options will also be set up at the Blaine Harbor office, Blaine Community Center and city hall.
s The road leading to the Blaine public fishing pier. The road has been in disrepair since the 90s, and was closed to vehicles in 2014.
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New legislation could reduce carbon emissions from the biggest polluters in the state, which includes several sites in Whatcom County. On January 6, the Department of Ecology (DOE) proposed a clean air rule, which would require the state’s largest industrial complexes to reduce carbon emissions by 5 percent every three years. The new rule is intended to protect the environment and reduce the harmful effects of climate change, according to DOE director Maia Bellon. If approved, the rule would initially apply to more than 20 facilities that produce more than 100,000 metric tons of carbon each year, based on emissions reports from 2012 to 2015. In Whatcom County, this would include BP’s Cherry Point oil refinery, the Phillips 66 refinery in Ferndale and two Puget Sound Energy generating stations in Ferndale and Sumas. Alcoa’s Intalco plant in Ferndale, which will idle much of its operations by April, will likely be included in a second wave of businesses. Companies can comply with the new rule in various ways, including sponsoring programs that will reduce the overall carbon footprint over time or purchasing carbon credits from companies in California. Companies can also earn credits by reducing their footprint more than the required amount. The rule changes come via an order from Governor Jay Inslee. The governor tasked the DOE with revising the rules to limit carbon emissions after his own plan to limit industrial emissions through a cap-and-trade proposition failed in the state legislature. DOE officials say the clean air rule would account for about 60 percent of the state’s overall carbon emissions. The long-term goal is to reduce the level of greenhouse gases to the state average from 1990. DOE will hold four public hearings on the new rule, which is expected to be finalized this summer.
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
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, 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. 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@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com Editor Steve Guntli steve@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Ferguson ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@thenorthernlight.com Office Manager Amy Weaver info@thenorthernlight.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Janet McCall Catherine Darkenwald sales@thenorthernlight.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@thenorthernlight.com Contributors In This Issue Debby Farmer, Peg Keenleyside The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XX1, No 30 Circulation: 10,500 copies
s Blaine High School and middle school students rehearse for their upcoming performance of “Guys and Dolls” in the Performing Arts Center. The show opened last week and will have its last run of show this weekend, January 14-16. Shows begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Photo by Steve Guntli
Letters The Editor: State representative Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) commented on our Birch Bay-Blaine railroad problems but missed a couple of points. By federal law Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) is not responsible for more than 5 percent of the cost to build railroad overpasses/underpasses, whether they be Canadian or U.S. designs. Ninety-five percent of the cost belongs to “we the taxpayers.” With nine 1.5-mile-long coal trains traveling daily to GPT Cherry Point from Montana through Spokane, Pasco, Vancouver, Kelso, Longview, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett and Bellingham, it begs the question, how many road separations are needed across the state and at what cost to us? The same is true with the three daily explosive Bakken oil trains arriving at BP and Phillips refineries. Those trains do not reach Blaine or Ellensburg. There may be no track space left for Amtrak to Vancouver, B.C., never mind a proposed stop in Blaine. Representative Manweller was elected to represent the interests of his constituents in Kittitas County, not Gateway Pacific or BNSF. BP and Phillips refineries at Cherry Point are marine terminals built to receive Alaskan oil. Last month our U.S. Congress lifted the ban on foreign oil sales and transport overseas, opening the way for an increase in rail and ship traffic from our refineries.
GPT has misled Manweller and others as to the number of jobs at the proposed terminal. The original GPT permit application called for 257 jobs at build-out. Now it is stretched to 430 jobs, but under scrutiny includes 36 tug escort crewmembers who will be based in Anacortes. The listed 66 BNSF railroad workers will go back to home base when their shifts are done. GPT is designed with full automation and in looking at the plans I wonder what the 213 longshoremen will do. Oil tankers, aircraft carrier-size coal ships, aka Cape-size and bulk freighters may require more pier space than planned. Meanwhile the sister Millennium Terminal in Vancouver only plans for 135 employees. Maybe GPT needs to start all over with a new permit application and environmental impact study so they can get it right. Our legislators have a habit of cutting taxes for corporations as they have already done for BNSF and GPT. Along with road crossing improvements around the state we need better protection against accidental oil and coal spills, collisions and explosions. Can we afford the GPT jobs? Oh! I almost forgot about the five open piles of coal, each a half-mile long and six stories high. We will get some coal dust from time to time with a southeast blow. Alice Brown Birch Bay
The Editor: It is time to look at the meaning of the word terrorism. When we think of Donald Trump being used to define American mental approaches to the world as a recruiting tool for ISIS, perhaps we need to look at terrorism more locally. The “Armed militia standoff in Oregon” headlines introduce us to a group of people representing a family who grazed their cattle on federal land illegally and without rent or contract for over 20 years. This theft of usage cost taxpayers lots of money. This group invited other militia groups to participate in occupying federal land to restore “people’s constitutional rights.” “If law enforcement brings physical harm to us,” they promise to fight. Apparently due process is not the way to relieve Continued on next page
Correction: In the January 7 issue, we misidentified Dr. Julie Cheek as Jennifer Cheek. Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings
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Next issue: Jan. 21 Ads due: Jan. 15
Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.
Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: bbwarm.whatcom county.org.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber Office, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.
5
January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
Letters ... From previous page
their angst, so they threaten with occupation and guns. Meanwhile, just a few corporations dominate food production worldwide. Anger about GMO products is a gut reaction to the fact that corporations determine what we eat and how we live and work. Their practices determine immigration and refugee movement. These corporations grab scarce water reserves and sell water back to us in plastic, consume huge agricultural tracts that devastate forests and displace large populations using hired militia; all done in the name of private enterprise and profits. Terrorism is not just about ISIS; just look around. Donna Starr Blaine The Editor: The Blaine Food Bank volunteers would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who generously donated to our $25,000 Christmas challenge. The schools, churches, businesses and so many residents of the Blaine, Custer and Birch Bay area donated beyond our expectations once again this year. We made our quota in time and received the bonus! This allows us to have more purchasing power by buying in bulk at wholesale prices. Our client base increases every month so we are so grateful to have enough nutritious food for everyone who needs it. And a special big thank you to Mike and Skye Hill of Hills Chevron for their generous donation of hats and jackets for our drivers that identify them as part of the Blaine Food Bank team. Joan Smith On behalf of Blaine Food Bank volunteers
The Editor: The Blaine Fine Arts Association wishes to thank the Blaine and Birch Bay communities for the support given to our arts students in the Blaine school district and invite everyone to join us as we celebrate a proud community tradition, the 19th annual Arts & Jazz Celebration, Saturday, January 23 at 7 p.m. in the Blaine school cafeteria. Admission is $5. Arts & Jazz is a community-based, family-fun celebration of the fine arts programs in the Blaine school district and is truly a highlight of the winter calendar. The evening is hosted by the Blaine Fine Arts Association (BFAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteer parents, teachers and community members who work to promote, encourage and support the efforts of the Blaine art, band, choir and drama students. Each year we are honored to help bring together businesses, community members, family and friends who support our arts programs. Arts & Jazz is an auction lover’s delight with live and silent auctions featuring donations from businesses and individuals
that believe in our students as much as we do. All funds raised benefit scholarships and experiences beyond the curriculum in the Blaine school district. Included in this year’s auction are two chances to purchase four front row reserved seats to the 2016 Blaine High School graduation ceremony. Perfect for proud Borderite parents or grandparents. Other auction items include a crab fishing excursion on local waters hosted by Joseph Imperio; Mountain State Builders and a custom Seahawks fire pit by Tom Erickson – go Hawks! The live auction begins at 8 p.m. If you are unable to attend the auction and would like to make a cash donation, you can mail a check, payable to BFAA, to P.O. Box 1545, Blaine 98231. Arts & Jazz is a “Proud Community Tradition” of a community coming together once a year to celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of our students and the tradition of passing art to a new generation. If you have questions, contact Christy Imperio at 201-4100 or Dorita Gray at 380-1634. Dorita Gray Blaine
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
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The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system. During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at 332-8820. Leroy Dougall, Blaine Public Works.
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s Colby Knutzen passes to Shaq Woods in a close game at Sedro-Woolley January 7.
By Ian Ferguson The Blaine boys basketball team managed to eke out a win at Sedro-Woolley after falling behind by 11 points in the fourth quarter. The two teams were evenly matched from start to finish of the January 7 game. The Borderites carried a two-point lead into the second half, and were ahead 43–42 to start the fourth quarter. That’s when the Cubs began controlling possession and making shots, quickly jumping ahead by 11 points. “We got ourselves in a hole pretty quickly in the fourth,” said head coach Shaun Pile. “We slowly but surely chipped away at their lead, and ended up hitting some huge three-pointers down the stretch.” Three-point baskets from Jalen Kortlever and Kier Munzanreder allowed the Borderites to regain the lead. With only 30 seconds
left in the game, Pile told his team to defend against the three-point shot. The Cubs scored two points and sent the game into overtime. Blaine controlled play in overtime, and outscored the Cubs 10–6 for a final score of 72–68. “It was a close and exciting game,” Pile said. Blaine center Shaq Woods earned his fourth double-double of the season, with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Kortlever scored 19 points. Munzanreder had 12 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Marcus Potts contributed six points and 10 rebounds. “It was good to see us fight back and get the win under pressure,” Pile said. Many fans that had come to watch the girls game stayed to watch the boys game. The girls’ team lost 49–42 to the Cubs. With the larger crowd and close game, the gym was extra loud at the end of the game.
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“It was a great atmosphere and a huge game for us to win on the road, because it will likely come down to Sedro-Woolley, Sehome and us to get the fourth seed for the district tournament,” Pile said. The win gave Blaine a 2–2 league record while Sedro-Woolley dropped to 0–4 in league play. On January 11, the Borderites traveled to Lynden and lost to the Lions 77–48. The drubbing was due to turnovers (21 for the Borderites) and strong shooting by senior point guard Noah King, who scored 18 points. Woods got into foul trouble in the second half, allowing the Lions to pull away with inside shooting. “We had balanced scoring, but we didn’t take care of business on defense and we didn’t take care of the ball on offense,” Pile said. Ben Adams scored 12 points for Blaine, making three of five three-point attempts and adding six assists. Munzanreder had 10 points and four assists. The loss puts the Borderites at 2–3 in conference and 6–6 overall. Lynden is 3–1 in conference and 11–1 overall. Lynden’s sole loss came from the undefeated Anacortes Seahawks, who the Borderites will face this week. “It will be a tough game,” Pile said. “They run a strong fullcourt press, so we’ll have to work hard to control the ball and limit turnovers.” The Anacortes game will be held Friday, January 15 in the Ken Waters Memorial Gym (next door to the Blaine High School gym) for Throwback Night. In what has become an annual tradition, fans are encouraged to wear their vintage Blaine Borderite clothing to celebrate the history of Blaine athletics and support the home team. The game begins at 7:15 p.m.
January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
Ridnour donates adjustable hoops to Blaine Elementary School By Ian Ferguson Thanks to Blaine graduate Luke Ridnour, who went on to become an NBA basketball player, Blaine elementary students can now shoot on hoops that adjust to suit their size. New backboards in the BES gym adjust from 10 feet to 8 feet tall, allowing kids to learn the sport at a younger age. Ridnour donated proceeds from his summer basketball camp in Blaine to help pay for the adjustable backboards. “We’re always looking for good causes to support in the community, and this seemed like a necessity. The old hoops were too high for the younger kids,” Ridnour said. Blaine High School athletic director and assistant principal Wayne Vezzetti said Ridnour had asked what the school district needed in terms of athletic upgrades, and Vezzetti suggested the adjustable hoops. The hoops cost about $10,000 to purchase and install, Vezzetti said. “Shooting on a lower basket helps younger kids learn better form,” Vezzetti said. “We host kids leagues such as the Boys & Girls Club of America that are supposed to play at 9 feet. With these adjustable hoops, they can play the full court at regulation height.” Vibetech Specialties out of Portland installed the hoops over Christmas break. In addition to adjusting up and down, the backboards also fold out of the way to make room for volleyball games and other events. Elementary physical education teacher Dan Persse said the new hoops will help him teach the sport to younger kids. “In P.E., the ability to accommodate different ages and abili-
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s BHS athletic director and assistant principal Wayne Vezzetti demonstrates how to adjust the height of new basketball hoops in the Blaine Elementary School gym.
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ties is huge,” Persse said. Ridnour will hold the Luke Ridnour Basketball Camp again this summer, although dates have not been set. The camp allows kids ages 6–12 to learn basketball and life skills, and shoot around with NBA veteran Luke Ridnour. “It’s a lot of fun,” Ridnour said. “We always have a big turnout, and it’s great to see the kids learning and having a good time.” Ridnour has also used camp
proceeds and his own money to support other causes in Blaine, such as the pavilion and recreation space being built next to the Blaine Senior Center. Recently retired after 12 years in the NBA, Ridnour said he is enjoying spending time with family. “I know Luke has a lot of passion for Blaine hoops,” Vezzetti said. “It’s great to see him so involved in giving back to the community.”
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s Sophomore Saul Magallon, r., gets a leg up on his opponent in the 195-pound matchup at a dual meet against Anacortes January 6. Blaine won the home meet 66–18. The next night the Borderites wrestled in the Panther Classic in Snohomish. Senior Caleb Frey (152 pounds) and Megallon won championship titles, while Colton Economy (126 pounds), Derreck Camba (132 pounds) and Riley Fritsch (160 pounds) earned second place medals. Anthony Frey (132 pounds) and Tristan Alanis (182 pounds) earned third place medals, and Aidan Button (138 pounds).
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
In the Garden: International impacts on local gardens By Peg Keenleyside The United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris this December have, amazingly, resulted in a far-reaching ambition amongst some 200 signatory countries: an agreement to limit global warming by “well below 2 degrees C” by mid-century. Under the deal, countries are bound to publish greenhouse gas reduction targets and revise them upward every five years, while striving to drive down their carbon output “as soon as possible.” The long-term goal is a carbon neutral planet by the second half of this century; one where the amount of green house gas emissions generated is equal to the amount of greenhouse gas the planet can absorb through its soil, oceans and forests. What does this all mean for our little corner of the universe, you might be wondering? Essentially, it would appear, it means going on a massive global carbon diet for a really, really long time. This is a tall order for a gas-guzzling, energy hungry economy such as ours in North America. Like any major economic and social change (remember when recycling started?), it’s bound to take some substantial changes in our everyday behavior. One of those changes might
2015
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REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
be growing at least some of your own food during the summer months, joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) at a local farm or shopping at farmer’s markets. You’ve heard it before but it’s now more relevant than ever: When you grow or buy your food locally you will be personally contributing to global CO2 emissions reduction. Want to do some calculations about your current carbon footprint when it comes to buying food flown in from around the world? Check out carbonfund.org for your “Carbon Calories.” Air cargo, for example, comes in at 1.527 kg of CO2 per ton-mile. That planeload of lettuce from Mexico racks up about 4,123 kg of carbon on its way to your winter salad. Kale and cabbage, on the other hand, grow right here in the Pacific Northwest all winter long. Just the simple act of switching up your vegetable choices to seasonally available local produce can make a difference in the big picture. And the big picture is daunting. In 2013 the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that the U.S. produced 6,673 million metric tons of CO2. On an individual basis that means we’re producing about 20 tons of CO2 a year per person. So not only do we need to go on a carbon reduction diet, we also
Snapshots
need to enhance the ways in which the earth can absorb CO2. Most people are aware of the huge role forests play in absorbing CO2. Halting massive deforestation around the world has been on the agenda for some time, but at the Paris talks the role of agriculture in enhancing the capacity of the earth’s soil as a CO2 absorption system also got a new focus. This is because science tells us soil has a huge capacity to store carbon. Currently, industrialized farming methods in the west, and poor farming techniques in the developing world, are a major contributor to carbon emissions. Organic farming techniques such as adding organic matter to the farm soil, growing cover crops and opting for low tillage techniques will decrease the amount of carbon release associated with conventional industrial farming. It will also have the added benefit of increasing the soil’s capacity for carbon absorption. It’s going to take a bit of a revolution in crop management systems, and a substantial change in the way we consume food, but the alternative, as the saying goes, is just not very palatable. This month, as you take some time to digest the Paris agreement on climate change, consider how you can decrease your food carbon footprint this year.
Blaine Public Library
B y D e bb y F a r m e r The Blaine Library is a center of learning and a place where people of all ages and backgrounds have found resources that educate, enrich and entertain. The library’s location in the community has allowed it to partner with other organizations and individuals in the
delivery of resources, which would otherwise only be accessible by going out of town. Last year, Whatcom Literacy Council tutors met with adult students to help improve basic reading and English skills; Northwest Computer Literacy Instruction Corps instructor David England conducted classes on computer
Blaine Fine Arts Association presents the
19TH ANNUAL
basics, Word and Excel; successful online businessman Roy Harris taught local business owners how to create a website and Kelle Sunter from Blaine Community Orchards for Resources and Education delivered a wealth of informative gardening programs. Whatcom Community College acquainted prospective students with the Running Start program. Blaine primary and middle school classes and life skills students toured the library and learned about library resources. Scouting groups used the meeting room to
s The sun sets over Semiahmoo on a rainless evening. Photo by Steve Guntli
s A view of Mount Baker over downtown Blaine. Photo by Ruth Lauman
gather, and some scouts helped during children’s. Representatives from local government, businesses and the military provided hundreds of local children with story times and presentations. Community volunteers taught chess, robotics, anime art, crafting and a variety of health and wellness programs that enhanced the library’s scope. Blaine Library staff was on hand to host English conversation classes, one-on-one tutoring sessions for computers and mobile device operation, U.S. citizenship preparation classes, job search and resume help and early learning opportunities. Teens relished the murder mysteries and Minecraft events and family history buffs enjoyed free access to ancestry.com.
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The public library is no longer solely a physical place, but a portal into the vast digital world. As Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) cardholders, Blaine Library users had instant access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, downloadable and streaming music, movies and TV shows. Through the online chat service, cardholders could receive information and query librarians at any time. Microsoft IT Academy courses, from basic to IT professional level, were available online for free, as well as classes in everything from language learning to auto repair. The library system has recently adopted a new strategic plan through 2020. The library and its employees want to continue to promote and celebrate reading. As a result, we are moving forward with our focus on READ: Reading – Fostering the love of books, reading and sharing stories. Engagement – Seeking out new users and reconnecting with inactive users. Access – Making using WCLS intuitive, easy and “frictionless.” Looking at the user experience (online and in-person) and removing barriers to service. Diligent Stewardship – Making sure WCLS is fiscally sound over the long-term. Year after year, WCLS Blaine Library remains a vital community center. Over 114,000 people came through the doors in 2015, and the seven public Internet stations provided 13,461 sessions. With the library welcoming 870 new cardholders last year, we will continue to provide a wealth of valuable resources to everyone.
9
January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
Body, Spirit, Mind
HEALTH & WELLNESS Encouraging happy, healthy lives!
Cool runnings: staying fit and active, even in the coldest weather By Steve Guntli Running can be difficult even on the most beautiful days. We all live busy lives, and with the myriad responsibilities that accompany adult life, it’s all too easy to seek the comforting respite of the couch. That goes double for the winter months, when the cold, wet and slippery terrain makes the prospect of running not only unappealing, but also potentially dangerous. But despite our couch-dwelling impulses, it’s important to get out and get moving. Getting outside and working hard now ensures we will feel healthy and happy when the sun finally comes out. Plus there are those pesky New Year’s resolutions still hanging over our heads. Running in the winter comes with its own set of challenges, and you need to be sure you’re properly equipped to handle them. Here are a few tips I use to ensure a safe, happy and healthy cold-weather run. Warm up Do a little exercise in your home before you run. This will get your blood flowing and make you feel better before heading out into the cold. Dress for the occasion You’d be amazed how much the right set of running clothes can make a difference in your experience. It’s a common sense move, but one people tend to forget. Many assume they’ll warm up in the process of running and head out underdressed, but this can be uncomfortable and ill advised. I recommend a breathable, waterproof sweatshirt and compression pants, the tighter the better. Compression pants are flexible, breathable and hug your body as you run. Also, some light gloves will protect your hands from getting too raw. If the temperature is hovering around the 0–10° range, you may also consider adding a scarf or a balaclava to the ensemble, but honestly, when it’s that cold
Health & Wellness
File photo
it’s probably in your best interest to just stay inside. Light it up If you’re like me and you get most of your running done in the late afternoon, it’s likely your run will turn into a race against approaching darkness. The best advice I can give is to invest in a nice headlamp. Not only will it help you light up the terrain, but also let oncoming pedestrians, bikes or vehicles know you’re there. To that end, wear reflective tape on your clothing so you’ll stand out. Take your time Sometimes when you’re running you’ll get in a groove and don’t want to stop or slow down. That’s usually fine in the summer, but in the winter, you have to watch where you step. Ice can be insidious, and while
it’s sometimes easily identifiable by the crystalline reflections caught in your headlight’s beam, just as often you won’t see the ice until it’s too late. So take a break – if you suspect that long patch of sidewalk ahead might be slicker than it looks, slow your pace or walk until you pass it. Go home and change According to Runner’s World magazine, your core body temperature will begin to drop as soon as you finish your workout. So your first step upon returning to your home should be to change out of your wet, sweaty clothes as soon as you can. Put on some dry, warm clothes and make yourself something warm to drink. Trust me, after your run, a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate is just the reward you need.
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
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By Steve Guntli Last year, the phrase “peak TV” was coined to describe the almost overwhelming amount of high-quality television that’s available to us today. For those of us with day jobs, friends and families, it can be tough to sort out what, exactly, we should prioritize when seemingly every show is the one we just have to see. I can’t claim to be the authority here (my Netflix queue is as clogged as anyone’s), but for my money, here are three shows you should definitely make time for. Making a Murderer (Netflix) If you can make it through even one episode of Netflix’s bracing new documentary series without seething with anger, you are a much stronger person than me. “Making A Murderer” is a gripping indictment of the American legal system, and a pot-boiling thriller to match the best scripted shows on TV today. It’s all we’ve been able to talk about around The Northern Light offices lately, and it won’t take you long to see why. In 1985, Steven Avery was sent to prison for a sexual assault he didn’t commit. He served 18 years before latent DNA evidence conclusively exonerated him. Subsequently, he sued the Wisconsin county that wrongfully imprisoned him, and based on the strength of his case, Avery was set to win most, if not all, of his $36 million claim. Then, mere days before a key deposition, a young woman went missing, and Avery, along with his teenage neph-
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ew, was charged with murder and facing life in prison. It’s clear that filmmakers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos (who spent 10 years working on this project) believe Steven is innocent, and so some of the framing has to be taken with a grain of salt. Regardless, the degree of reasonable doubt Steven’s astute lawyers are able to establish makes for shocking television. The most upsetting moments come from interrogation footage involving Avery’s 16-yearold nephew, Brendan, who has an IQ of about 70 and is clearly being lead by the nose into admitting to a monstrous crime. The series essentially turns the viewers into jurors, making the proceedings feel intimate and immediate. Everyone will leave the show with a strong opinion. For my money, regardless of guilt, the Avery family was unfairly persecuted, perhaps because they were poor and uneducated and reflected badly on the community. As unlikely as a police conspiracy would be, it seems equally unlikely that Avery, however simple he may be, would throw away his hard-earned freedom and a huge payday to kill a casual acquaintance. But watch the show for yourself and come to your own conclusions. You’re The Worst (FXX, Hulu) “You’re the Worst” is a show about attractive young people in Los Angeles navigating the tricky dating world. Snooze, right? But while the premise has been done to death, there’s never been anything on TV quite like this. At the series’ outset, Jimmy (Chris Geere) meets Gretchen (Aya Cash) at Jimmy’s ex-girlfriend’s wedding. Jimmy is a misanthropic British novelist living off the increasingly meager royalties from his first and only book, while Gretchen is a hard-partying publicist who has made one too many
bad decisions. The two have a casual fling, based on a mutual sense of cynicism and self-loathing, but find their deep bond is too real to ignore, and reluctantly enter into a relationship. The cast is rounded out by Edgar (Desmin Borges), a sweet-natured Iraq war veteran and Jimmy’s roommate, and Lindsay (Kether Donohue), Gretchen’s best friend who is having trouble adjusting to her new husband and life in the suburbs. Once again, there’s nothing revolutionary about the show’s premise: mean, awful people meet and try to make a life with each other. What makes this series unique is its unflinching honesty. Jimmy and Gretchen are not the type of sitcom couple who will ever get into a wacky situation because of farcical misunderstandings. They wear everything on their sleeves, and accept each other, warts and all, which is remarkably refreshing. In later episodes, the series turns its eye for the truth toward mental health issues, depicting oft-misunderstood afflictions like PTSD and depression in a painfully honest way and giving the standard comedy format a welcome shot in the arm. The writing is consistently sharp and funny, and the performers are likeable despite their character’s best efforts to be terrible. As Gretchen, Cash gives one of the best performances on TV. Her comic timing is impeccable, but it’s the more serious moments, when her tough-chick façade starts to break, that she really shines. It’s not always a pleasant show, but you won’t find a smarter or more real comedy on TV. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) It’s not the sort of premise you would think to build a sunny sitcom on: a teenage girl is abduct-
ed and held captive in an underground bunker in Indiana for 15 years, where she unwittingly becomes a member of an apocalyptic cult. Upon being freed, Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) is thrilled to see the world hasn’t been destroyed. She finds herself a minor celebrity as a news item, but chafes at the idea of being remembered as a victim. Determined to start a new life for herself, the stunted but optimistic Kimmy decides to settle in New York City, where she finds a roommate (Titus Burgess) and a job as a nanny for a bored, affluent Park Avenue housewife (Jane Krakowski). Coming from creator Tina Fey, “Kimmy Schmidt” bears a lot of the same DNA as Fey’s last series, “30 Rock.” Both shows feature machine-gun delivery of high-quality jokes, surprising celebrity cameos and even a similar soundtrack. But while “30 Rock” was often derided for being too insider and inaccessible for middle America, “Kimmy” is a show that everyone can love equally. What’s especially amazing about “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is how it’s able to subvert potentially grim subject matter into something effortlessly funny, sweet and affirming. Kemper is a powerhouse in the lead, her wide smile conveying Kimmy’s genuine joy at being alive and above ground. As Kimmy’s roommate Titus, Burgess absolutely steals the show. Whether he’s making a play for Broadway glory by staging his own knockoff “Lion King” production or filming a music video for a ringtone (the insanely catchy “Pinot Noir”), Burgess is hilarious, and would make the show worth watching even if the rest of the series didn’t work. Luckily, it all comes together, and the show’s second season is one of my most anticipated shows of 2016.
Giles ... From page 1
his subjects at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and the Auburn Research Library in Atlanta. Giles has been singing since he was three years old, and has been active in the theater since 1982. Giles said he’s lost count of how many performances he’s participated in. He’s toured the country as a singer and actor, and spent months singing in Italy. A Philadelphia native, Giles had performed in Whatcom County in the past, acting in Mount Baker Theatre productions of “Barefoot in the Park” and “Driving Miss Daisy” in 2008. In 2015, he relocated permanently after nabbing the lead in the Blaine-set original musical “Marina,” written by Sandy Wolf. “This state is extraordinary,” Giles said. “Washington people perfectly represent the spirit of unconditional regard. The energy here is just wonderful.” Giles has been living in Birch Bay since July and said he has no intention of living anywhere else. “I’ve been back to Philadelphia a few times but I won’t ever move
s Gary Giles. back if I can help it. This is my home now,” he said “We Shall Not Sleep” has been an intensely personal project for Giles. It’s the first show he’s ever written himself, and it tells a story he feels will have a lasting impact. “This is by far the most import-
Photo by Steve Guntli
ant creative work I’ve ever done,” Giles said. “I want to show people of all races that we need to take up the torch, to remember where we’ve come from so we can all take it to the next level together.” Tickets for “We Shall Not Sleep” are by donation.
January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
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BAY CENTER Market hiring PT morning and/or afternoon shift. Possible FT later in season. Multitasking, deli and customeroriented experience a plus. 21+ required. Pick up application at 8050 Harborview Road, Birch Bay. COMPASSIONATE ELDERLY care in your home. 15 years experience. Certified Nursing Assistant, references available. 360-393-3388. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 15 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360-4410908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com.
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The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
Real Estate W!
H
EAC
OB SE T
IE BAYV ,000
CLO
$93
9375 Valley View Rd. • $418,800 4-BR, 2.75-BA. 2800 sq ft European Style Chalet. Sunny south facing home on 3.33 wooded acres. Pleasant views. MLS #872691
4819 Alderson Road • $324,900 Spacious saltwater view condo in the heart of Birch Bay. 3-BR, 3.5-BA luxury floor plan and finishes! MLS #790438
Randy Weg
Billy Brown
360-305-5704
5526 Seavue Rd. • $93,000 2-BR, 2-BA, Large Corner Lot, Owned land. Spacious Covered Deck. 1 Year Home Warranty included. MLS #845315
360-220-7175
randyweg@windermere.com
7650 Birch Bay Dr. #H5 • $125,000 Breathtaking walks on the beach, stunning sunsets and private pacific beach! MLS #830570
Suzanne Dougan
Lisa Sprague
dougan@windermere.com
lisasprague@windermere.com
Brian Southwick
360-961-0838
360-920-7733
billybrown@windermere.com
8043 Chinook Way • $688,000 MOUNTAIN, BAY & MARINA VIEWS! Ultimate Northwest home in Birch Bay with 5-BR, 2.25-BA MLS #880670
360-815-6638
briansouthwick@gmail.com
8 decades of combined experience with Blaine and Birch Bay Real Estate • 8105 Birch Bay Square • I-5 Exit 270 • Blaine
New Year, New Home! CALL HUGH TODAY!
360.371.5800
www.CallHugh.com View lot in Birch Bay Village READY TO
Open House Sat. 12-3
1.05 acres. Bamboo, granite, stainless, patio, deck, 4-car garage. Gated 13 home community near Resort Semiahmoo. Heronswood is 64 acres. 40+ acres in perpetual conservation easement. Trail throughout. Shops are ok.
5161 Heronswood $599,900
Heronswood: Peaceful & serene, call to explore it today!
25 years experierce working for you!
2 ACRES $139,000
Gorgeous lakefront with Mt. Baker views. Coastal Mtn. & Birch Bay O N LY view property on Fingalson Creek Dr. $
118,000
• Ferndale Schools • Watershare/all services! • Possible owner terms!
Great price for a lot on the lake!
BUILD! $33,000
Partial saltwater view lot on Haxton Way. All services.
Lots for Builders, or will build to suit. RARE OPPORTUNITY for Covered Moorage in Blaine Harbor $15,000 Easy access & secure facility in ship shape order. 46’ length by 20’ beam.
GREAT LOCATIONS!
Between Bellingham & the Canadian Border!
2.1 Acres - Commercial & 1.8 Acres - Residential
350,000
7 Residential Bldg Sites & 2 Water Shares $ Possible owner contract or joint venture.
Call Hugh - 24 years experience helping buyers & sellers. 2930 Newmarket St. #111 • Bellingham CallHugh.com
BRAND SPANKIN’
NEW!
154 15th., Blaine
$235,000
Under construction, one level 3-BR, 2-BA, 2-car garage. Architecturally designed for the lot, efficient floor plan lots of natural light, won’t last long! A great starter or downsizing home. Due to the location, close to the Canadian border, this is a must see for commuters or investor looking for a rental property. There’s still time to choose your colors, carpet.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, 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 1-800-877-0246.
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave. Blaine
HiBay Warehouse Call for Available Space Yard Space is Available Truck • RV • Boat • Vehicle Parking/Storage
GerryAllen@windermere.com
www.gerryallen.withwre.com
Rentals - Residential
Don Nelson 360-332-2743 www.NelsonBuilding.com
Rentals - Rooms
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(360) 815-6638
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@pointrobertspress
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January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
Whatcom County sheriff’s reports, December 30- January 5 December 30, 1:52 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. December 30, 4:27 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. December 30, 5:16 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive. December 30, 5:33 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. December 30, 7:42 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. December 30, 11:02 p.m.: Rape cold call on Dawn Lane. December 31, 9:30 a.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Drive. December 31, 10:31 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Valley View Road. December 31, 8:26 p.m.: Welfare check on Loft Lane. December 31, 9:41 p.m.: Senile subject on H Street Road. January 1, 2:06 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Forsberg Drive. January 1, 5:09 a.m.: Trouble with guest on Petticote Lane. January 1, 5:18 a.m.: Assist citizen on Custer School Road. January 1, 10:31 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Alderson Road. January 1, 11:13 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Texas woman, 49, cited for a prohibited U-turn. January 1, 2:25 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on California Trail. January 1, 7:59 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on Grouse Crescent Road. January 1, 9:02 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay Drive. January 1, 11:41 p.m.: Traffic stop on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Lynden woman, 26, arrested for driving with a suspended license third degree. January 2, 12:25 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Alderson Road. January 2, 1:51 p.m.: Assist citizen on Alderson Road. January 2, 6:32 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. January 2, 8:14 p.m.: Alarm on Willeys Lake Road. January 3, 12:38 p.m.: Mental on Anchor Parkway. January 3, 2:09 p.m.: Serve
warrant on Pacific Highway. January 3, 2:10 p.m.: Hot rod on Gemini Street. January 3, 9:56 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident with pole on Loomis Trail Road. January 4, 12:35 a.m.: Serve warrant on Giles Road. January 4, 12:35 a.m.: Theft on Giles Road. January 4, 9:51 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on Drayton Harbor Road. Bellingham woman, 45, cited for speeding too fast for conditions. January 4, 10:34 a.m.: Motor
vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on Birch Point Road. January 4, 10:45 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on West Badger Road. Lynden man, 36, cited for failure to yield right of way from driveway. January 4, 7:31 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. January 5, 12:56 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Stein Road. January 5, 9:25 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay Square Street.
Whatcom County Public Works is seeking public input on the proposed Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Facility project. A 3rd public Open House meeting for the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility will be held 10 AM to Noon on Saturday February 6, 2016 at the Birch Bay Bible Community Church at 4460 Bay Road, Birch Bay, Washington. The proposed beach nourishment project will construct a soft shore protection berm along approximately 1.5 miles from Lora Lane to Cedar Avenue. This berm will reduce storm tide flooding, improve safety on Bay Drive (by creating an off-street pedestrian path running alternatively on the top of the berm and just below the berm crest, improve water quality (by extending and realigning existing stormwater outfalls, and by adding water quality biofiltration swales), and protect the Birch Bay Drive roadway from storm damage. This project has been discussed in the community for many years. The soft shore berm will be constructed of imported gravel and sand of the same size and shape as those typical of the existing conditions at Birch Bay, and very similar to a project constructed north of Terrell Creek and subsequently maintained since. Project work will proceed with willing landowners, as easements will be needed to construct the project. The Open House will share information on how the County proposes to accomplish the work while protecting other valuable resources such as cultural resources and aquatic habitat; and while minimizing community and business disruption from construction. Berm construction is planned for fall (beginning around Labor Day) and winter 2016 and 2017 to construct the berm containing approximately 100,000 cubic yards of gravel and sand. Berm construction will include gravel and sand delivery by approximately 4,000 truck trips, and will require night work to place the materials with lower tide levels. The Golf Course Creek culvert will be replaced requiring limited road closures of Birch Bay Drive. Planting and pathway work will be conducted in spring 2017 and 2018 (until approximately Memorial Day). The meeting will also present 90 Percent plans showing the proposed berm, pedestrian path, stormwater improvements, and access improvements. Whatcom County and consultant staff will make brief presentations and solicit input from attendees on the project and issues related to the project at several stations during the Open House. People with special needs or disabilities who will be attending this meeting are asked to please contact our office at least 48 hours in advance, so that we may make any needed accommodations.
For additional information regarding the Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Facility project please contact: Kevin Thompson, Project Engineer Whatcom County Public Works 360-778-6278 kthompso@co.whatcom.wa.us Roland Middleton, Special Projects Manager Whatcom County Public Works 360-778-6212 rmiddlet@co.whatcom.wa.us http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/522/Birch-Bay-Drive-Pedestrian-Facility-Proj
OBITUARIES Wesley Duane Martinsen
March 12, 1928 - December 31, 2015 We really thought you would never leave us. But now you’re gone and things will never be the same. From your curly hair, to your infectious laugh, we will always remember your courage, your integrity, your love for your family, your dedication, the pride you felt for every student you knew, and your lust for life. You taught us about devotion and love. You and mom would have been married 60 years this June. You never let us forget how important our family should be to us. You taught us to learn about and appreciate nature including us in your weekend science field trips with your students when you were a teacher, hiking, camping, and summer picnics. You taught each of us kids to snow ski and then hauled us up to Mt. Baker almost every Sunday. You taught us and the grandkids to cherish our time together with family dinners, picnics at the beach lots, swimming at The Glen, Sunday trips to Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, and kayaking in the kayaks you made for each of the grandchildren. You taught us to have fun with family and friends. You were always excited when we went on vacation and encouraged us to balance work with time off, something you told us you wished you would have done more often. You taught us to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and accomplishments with family dinners at The Golden Lion in White Rock, the Olive Garden and BBQ’s and potlucks in our homes. You taught us to be generous, helping us with cars, educational expenses, and purchasing our own homes. We couldn’t have done some of these things without your help and encouragement. You volunteered your time and finances and helped others in need. You taught not only us, but anyone who would listen, that a good education was important. No one was more excited than you whenever one of us went to school or back to school for additional education. You often reflected fondly on your years as an educator, making many life-long friends of students and teachers. You were an example of how to be thrifty and encouraged us to do the same in our spending habits. You reminded and encouraged us to save for our retirement. You taught us to be moral, responsible individuals, to honor our schools and community through your example of involvement in civic projects, hard work and leadership. If you could help, you did, regularly volunteering for all types of projects. You showed us how we could enjoy our retirement, when the time comes, with your trips in the travel trailer to visit family in the east. You and mom also took trips with your brother Rich and his wife Jane to Canada, Nevada, and Oregon. You had a great time on monthly camping trips with the Whatcom Good Sam Camper club in which you were very involved. You taught us to be brave and “roll with the punches”. We watched as you successfully battled cancer, not once but twice, and kept right on living and looking toward the future. When you suffered a cardiac arrest you fought through that too, then a pacemaker and defibrillator, and like the energizer bunny, you kept moving forward, always making plans for the next trip, house to be built, or family event to be planned. Never once did we hear you complain or have a “poor me” attitude. You always looked forward, with anticipation. Even in our last days together, you thought only of your family, never failing to tell us how much you appreciative our care and support. It was an honor and a blessing for so many of us to be at your bedside as you passed from this world to the next. It was the last gift we could give each other. We love you dad, and we will miss you always. Thank you for everything you did for each of us. Thank you for always being there for us. Thank you for who you were and how you helped shape each of us by your example. We are your legacy. With love, Ann; Ginger, Mark, Joshua, Bri, Micah; Bill; Sandy, Jathan, Casey, Aurora, Bluelle, Tristian, Hannah, Ruxson, Brittin; David, Susanne, Nicole, Dayton. A memorial service will be held January 24, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the Ferndale High School auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wesley D. Martinsen Dollars for Scholars scholarship.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
Dining Guide
Breakfast Lunch Dinner 360-778-3826
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay
• Certified Health Department O&M Inspections
• Multiple House Discounts Owned & Operated by Blaine Resident Certified Septic Contractors
7608 Birch Bay Dr. • 371-5409 www.BirchBayCafe.com
• Local Full Service Septic Company
ALL OF WHATCOM COUNTY • (360) 671-1307
septicplus@comcast.net
WHATCOM COUNTY
Open 7 Days A Week Gluten-free options available!
Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 332-4045
Sunday-Tuesday 7am-3pm Wednesday-Saturday 7am-8pm
332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine
13
Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated
360 332-3121
Fill your bottles - Easy RV access
2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine
14
The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
Coming up
Police Reports January 7, 12:17 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a suspicious man wandering around the yards of homes on Cedar Street, and contacted a very intoxicated gentleman who had made his way back onto the public right of way. He declined assistance and explained he was just out for walk. He was warned to not weave onto private property. January 7, 12:57 p.m.: A resident stopped by asking if an officer could check on her neighbor’s chickens. She explained the folks next door live elsewhere and only visit occasionally, and the poultry protecting their back yard appeared to be running low on feed and water. The police department contacted the owners and they promised to resupply their hens that same day. January 9, 6:10 a.m.: A couple visiting a store had a disagreement with the cashier about whether or not they had paid money for lottery tickets. When the clerk would not relent the couple used their cell phone to call 911 for help. Their Canadian phone carrier connected them to a 911 center in B.C. Those dispatchers figured out the couple’s location in Washington state and routed the emergency-help-needed call back to the U.S., and Blaine
Police were dispatched to the store. They learned that the cashier had offered to have the store security video reviewed and have the till audited, but the couple refused to await the outcome and decided to take their transaction and their cell phone to another business. January 9, 2:40 p.m.: Police responded to several reports that a German shepherd dog was loose in a residential neighborhood. The officers located and issued a verbal warning to the owner of Addie, a young canine which had no prior record of running at large. Animal Control was advised of the incident for their patrols. January 9, 5 p.m.: A motorist on D Street overtook the car ahead of him and began tailgating the auto, which was traveling the speed limit. Perhaps because one of his headlights was out, the aggressive driver did not realize that the guy in front of him was wearing a uniform and driving a marked police vehicle. When the officer contacted the hurried man to discuss the irony of the matter, the driver of the speeding, tailgating, one-eyed car said he did not have his driver’s license with him. This brought to light the fact that his driving privilege in Washington was suspended. A mandatory court
Crossword
ACROSS 1. Class of aromatics 5. “___ the night before ...” 9. Bagpiper’s wear 13. A chip, maybe 14. Fit 15. Kind of jar 16. A public place where refreshments are grown (2 wds) 18. In pieces 19. “The Joy Luck Club” author 20. “Help!” 21. River in a Strauss waltz 23. Break 25. Calmly, quietly 27. Lentil, e.g. 28. The America’s Cup trophy, e.g. 29. “Malcolm X” director 30. “Lohengrin,” e.g. 33. Bologna home 36. Spinal cord defect 38. Sideshow spiel
40. Bungle 41. “___ we having fun yet?” 42. Black cat, maybe 44. Cantina cooker 48. Surprised, scared 51. Kickback 53. Salivates or slobbers 54. Oolong, for one 55. African antelope 56. Bequeath 57. Trick 60. Didn’t dawdle 61. Casting need 62. Capital of ancient Chinese empire 63. Live wire, so to speak 64. Appear 65. Delhi dress
5. Pang 6. Bankrolls 7. A pint, maybe 8. Letter getter 9. Dead, as an engine 10. Rossellini of “Blue Velvet” 11. Danger for sailors 12. Discharge letters? 15. Power or prestige 17. Death on the Nile cause, perhaps 22. Aimless 24. Assume 25. Cleaned a wound 26. Assent 28. Victorian, for one 31. Pandowdy, e.g. 32. Sign up 34. ___-tac-toe 35. Literally, “for this” 36. Magnesium ______ 37. Carbonium, e.g. 38. ___ de deux 39. Like Radio City Music Hall 43. Gentlemen: Abbr. 45. Covered exterior gallery 46. One-dimensional 47. Former students 49. Vagabond 50. Pigeon-___ 51. Camelot, to Arthur 52. “Dig in!” 54. Certain surgeon’s “patient” 56. Boy 58. Golf ball support 59. Balaam’s mount
DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4.
Used to combine images Anxiety Attitude Bar order
appearance is scheduled. January 9, 5:06 p.m.: Police were dispatched to help the residents of an apartment who reported a stranger was beating on their door. The arriving officers contacted a very intoxicated woman who said she was lost. It turned out she was staying in an adjacent motel but did not get to go there because she was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant so went to jail instead. January 10, 2:55 p.m.: A 12-year-old good Samaritan found a wallet containing cash and credit cards and contacted Blaine Police. The grateful owner was advised his property had been found before he even realized it was missing, and arranged to immediately recover it. January 11, 12:31 a.m.: Police were dispatched to a residential neighborhood on reports of someone in the area calling out for help. Officers arrived and determined the noisemaker was an intoxicated teenager. The young man attempted unsuccessfully to elude of the officers but was arrested for his alcohol violation. This report is provided by the Blaine police department. A full listing of the week’s police report can be found at thenorthern light.com.
FIND CROSSWORD ANSWERS AT THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides January 15 – January 21 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 15 2:27 am 1.2 9:31 am 10.3
4:08 pm 3.5 9:24 pm 6.7
Sa 16 3:15 am 2.5 10:09 am 10.1
5:08 pm 2.5 11:00 pm 6.5
Su 17 4:09 am 3.9 10:49 am 10.0
6:08 pm 1.5
Mo 18 12:46 am 6.8 5:15 am 5.1
11:33 am 9.8 7:08 pm 0.6
Tu 19 2:24 am 7.5 6:33 am 6.1
2:21 pm 9.7 8:02 pm -0.2
We 20 3:36 am 8.3 7:55 am 6.7
1:13 pm 9.5 8:54 pm -0.8
Th 21 4:32 am 9.0 9:09 am 6.8
2:07 pm 9.4 9:42 pm -1.2
Weather Precipitation: During the period of January 5 to January 11 .45 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2016 year-to-date precipitation is .46 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 51.8°F on January 10, with a low of 30.7°F on January 9. Average temperature for the week was 38°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Fun with LEGO Robotics: Thursday, January 14, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to program motion and color sensors on the robots. For ages 10 and up. Bimonthly. Info: 305-3637. Throwback Boys Basketball Game: Friday, January 15. Ken Waters Memorial Gym, 1055 H Street, Blaine. Wear vintage Blaine High School gear. Mason Bees – Alternative Pollinators: Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m.– noon, Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to identify these native pollinators, protect them and even establish a colony in your yard. Presented by the Blaine CORE. Info: Kelle Sunter, 332-7435. Jeffrey Elvis with the Silver City Band: Sunday, January 17, 3 p.m., The Beach at Birch Bay, 7876 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Free. Info: 922-0816. We Shall Not Sleep – The Voices of our Ancestors: Sunday, January 17, 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 885 Fourth Street, Blaine. Admission by donation. A one-act performance portraying iconic men of the African American culture, Frederick Douglass, William Still and Martin Luther King, Jr. Marine Drive Community Open House: Tuesday, January 19, 6–8 p.m., Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, fourth floor. Info: 543-9981. Winter Gardening: Wednesday, January 20, 4–6 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Discover what can be “wintered over” in your garden and how to get a jump on the growing season with passive protection. Presented Blaine CORE. Info: Kelle Sunter, 332-7435. Windowsill Gardening: Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Grow fresh greens or your own sprouts. A Blaine CORE program. Info: Kelle Sunter, 332-7435. Balance Work Presentation: Saturday, January 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Pacific Inn, 1160 King George Boulevard, White Rock, B.C. Refreshments provided. Info: osteopathicresolutions.ca. Robert Burns Dinner and Auction: Saturday, January 23, 6 p.m., BelleWood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian. Traditional Scottish menu presented by Crave Catering, highland dancing and piping and scotch. Hosted by the Bellingham Scottish Highland Games. Tickets $40 in advance. Info: bellewoodfarms.com. Arts and Jazz: Saturday, January 23, 7 p.m., Blaine school cafeteria. Enjoy live and silent auctions, performances by the Blaine High School jazz band and chamber choir and displays by the art and drama students. Proceeds benefit the Blaine schools arts. $5 admission. Info: Dorita Gray, 380-1634. DSB Performance: Saturday, January 23, 8 p.m., Silver Reef Casino, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale. A high energy Journey tribute show. Tickets: $10, $15 and $20. Info: silverreefcasino.com. Seaside Bakery Talent Show: Saturday, February 6, 5 p.m., Seaside Bakery & Cafe, 477 Peace Portal Drive. Do you sing, dance, play music, have a comedy act or other talent? Sign up at the cafe. Info: 332-9866. Lummi Arts and Small Business Fair: Saturday, February 7, Te’Ti’Sen Center (formerly Lummi Gateway Center), 4920 Rural Avenue, Ferndale, exit 260. Locally made native American arts and crafts. Info: 306-8554.
Ongoing Birch Bay Activity Center Events: 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Pound Fit, Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, pickleball, yoga, line dancing and more. Info: bbbparkandrec.org or 656-6416. Afterschool Activities: Weekdays, 2:30–5:15 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids ages 5 and up. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. AA Meetings: Monday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon; Wednesday, 7 p.m. (women only); Saturday, 11 a.m., United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street, Blaine. Toddler Time: Tuesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Stories, songs and other amusements for very young children. Preschoolers are welcome, content is aimed at 1–3 year-olds. Info: 305-3637. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt, 456 C Street, Blaine. Open to all. Info: 332-8248. Shotokan Karate: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30–6 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. $40 per month. Info: 656-6416. Meditation Gathering: Tuesdays 5:30–6:15 p.m., Blaine Chiropractic Center, 245 H Street. $5 drop-in fee. Info: Maureen, 920-1125. Birch Bay Toastmasters: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m., Windermere building, second floor, 8105 Birch Bay Square Street. Learn leadership and communication skills. Info: toastmasters.org. Learn to Play Chess: Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. For K–12, and parents too! Info: 305-3637. Play and Learn Drop-in: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn while you play. For ages 3–5. Info: 305-3637. Midweek Music Meditation: Wednesdays, noon–12:30 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 855 4th Street. Info: Mary Rankin, 332-5665. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Dinners free; donations accepted. Everyone is welcome! Info: communitymealsblaine@gmail.com. Semiahmoo Men’s Club: First and third Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., Palmer Room of the Blue Heron Grill at Semiahmoo Golf Course. Breakfast at 8 a.m., $15, membership $20 annually. Info: 778-2075. Karaoke: Friday, 9 p.m. Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4045. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
January 14 - 20, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com
This Past Week’s
Jackpots
JANUARY 4TH BELLINGHAM, WA $22,831.88 MEGA MELTDOWN
JANUARY 8TH BURNABY, BC $20,000
JANUARY 6TH BELLINGHAM, WA $11,428 TRIPLE FORTUNE DRAGON
JANUARY 8TH DELTA, BC $11,065
JANUARY 9TH SURREY, BC $30,000 FREEDOM PAYS JANUARY 9TH LANGLEY, BC $7,514.30
JANUARY 8TH FERNDALE, WA $5,045.47
QUICK HITS WILD RED
WARRIOR’S LEGACY
JANUARY 10TH VANCOUVER, BC $7,467.78
JANUARY 5TH BONNEY LAKE, WA $4,042.62
EAGLE’S HERITAGE
WARRIOR’S LEGACY
DRAW POKER
JANUARY 10TH RICHMOND, BC $20,000
JANUARY 8TH FERNDALE, WA $10,261.67
JANUARY 10TH BELLINGHAM, WA $6,488
EAGLE’S HERITAGE
JANUARY 8TH FERNDALE, WA $12,491.25
CASH WHEEL
TRIPLE FORTUNE DRAGON
JANUARY 7TH FERNDALE, WA $10,000
JANUARY 10TH BELLINGHAM, WA $6,321.87
88 FORTUNES
EAGLE’S HERITAGE
COPPER DROPPER
JANUARY 4TH BELLINGHAM, WA $12,129
JANUARY 8TH MAPLE FALLS, WA $10,000
JANUARY 10TH VANCOUVER, BC $5,526.57
TOTAL MELTDOWN ($1)
FREEDOM PAYS
Jackpot Winners This Past Week 151
DRAW POKER
DOLLAR STREAK
15
The Northern Light • January 14 - 20, 2016
Just some of the HOMES we SOLD in 2015 BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
5410 Nootka Loop
5379 Salish Road
8261 Cowichan Road
8129 Chehalis Road
6943 Holeman Avenue
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
8200 Sehome Road
5532 Salish Road
8161 Chehalis Road
8157 Skeena Way
8220 Snohomish Road
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
7681 Frances Lane
8104 Birch Bay Drive
8191 Sehome Road
5575 Salish Road
8160 Comox Road
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
BIRCH BAY
8262 Snohomish Road
8129 Skeena Way
5311 Nootka Loop
8076 Kayak Way
8149 Skagit Way
BIRCH BAY
BLAINE
BLAINE
BLAINE
SEMIAHMOO
8215 Quinault Road
9802 Harvey Road
3936 Pipeline Road
1524 D Street
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy # B106
SEMIAHMOO
SEMIAHMOO
SEMIAHMOO
SEMIAHMOO
SEMIAHMOO
6161 Birch Point Road
8729 Oertel Drive
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy # 304
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy #B306
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy #B302
Thinking of selling in 2016?
: xo
opla
te.c
om
You may want to chat with Mike first...as many property owners are being pressured to sell because the Canadian dollar is down, when this may actually be the worst time to sell. Because every situation is different, let us provide you the facts, the trends and the knowledge you’ll need to make a wise real estate decision in 2016. No costs, no obligation, just proven advice that has paid off for our clients since 1998.
phic Gra
16
From interest rates to exchange rates, with buyers from Beijing to California... all are having a profound effect on the INTEREST Blaine/Birch Bay real estate market. RATES Want to learn more? Give Mike a call or send him an email.
Mike Kent
Buy through Mike
Real Estate Specialist 8105 Birch Bay Square Street • I-5 Exit 270 • Birch Bay, WA 98230
360.527.8901 mike@mikekent.com
•
360.815.3898
& you’ll get a free home warranty!
www.mikekent.com