Issuu

February 18 - 24, 2016

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Bay to Bay trail makes slow progress, page 2

Photos from Bite of Blaine, page 3

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

Active Seniors special section, pages 8-9

Blaine’s Totally Chocolate has new owners By Steve Guntli

s Two bald eagles stop by for a brief visit.

Photo by Robert Muse

Wings Over Water festival returning By Steve Guntli One of the county’s most popular yearly events is returning once more to Blaine and Birch Bay. Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will return for its 14th year March 11–13. The area is a popular destination for bird watchers, as Blaine and Birch Bay are a major stop on the Pacific Flyway, a busy migratory route for hundreds of bird species. The event kicks off in the Semiahmoo Resort ballroom on Friday, March

11, with a special exhibition of birding photography and artwork. This year’s featured artist is Bellingham artist Bev Connor, who draws and paints through her studio, Dreaming Otter Arts. The exhibition begins at 6 p.m. On March 12, an all-day birding expo will be held in the Blaine Middle School cafeteria. The expo will feature wildlife exhibits, indoor and outdoor activities, expert speakers and a presentation from the Sardis Raptor Center with live birds of prey. All weekend long, attendees can enjoy

Foster children placed with abuser in Custer win lawsuit By Steve Guntli Two young girls who were placed in a foster home in Custer with a boy accused of sexual assault were awarded an $8 million settlement this week. On February 10, jurors in Whatcom County Superior Court awarded $4 million each to the two girls, who were placed into foster care in 2003 at the ages of 6 and 3. Judge Ira Uhrig ruled

that the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) was liable for the damages for placing the girls in the home in which a 12-year-old boy had recently been accused of abusing a 5-yearold relative. The boy, Dillon Lee Lange, now 26, had allegedly been discovered abusing the family member in 2001. The report was filed with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, but both the boy and

the alleged victim denied the abuse happened. The charges were dropped, but a the lawsuit alleged DSHS did not properly review those files before placing the two girls in the home in 2003. According to the charging papers, Lange and his younger brother, Colten Lee Lange, now 24, repeatedly raped the girls over the next several years. One of the girls went to police with her story in (See Lawsuit, page 5)

guided bird-watching tours. This year, the festival organizers are introducing a field trip to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Ladner, B.C. They are also bringing back the popular Salish Sea Offshore Birding and Wildlife Cruise, a two-hour tour of Boundary Bay and the Strait of Georgia aboard the 50' vessel Salish Sea. The final schedule of events and speakers is still being finalized. For more information on Wings Over Water activities, contact the Blaine Visitor Information Center at 332-4544.

INSIDE

The owner of one of Blaine’s most successful businesses has sold the business, but the chocolate won’t stop flowing. Totally Chocolate, the Blaine-based chocolatier, has been sold to Vancouver corporation Tricor Pacific Founders Capital. Jeff Robinson, founder and CEO of Totally Chocolate, and Derek Senft, managing director of Tricor, announced the sale on February 3. Founded in 1987, Totally Chocolate has been located in Blaine since 1994. The company specializes in custom engraved chocolates, commonly used for corporate gifts. The company has about 35 full-time employees, but the workforce swells to more than 100 around the holiday season. Senft said current Totally Chocolate president Ken Strong and the rest of the management team will remain with the business, with Tricor’s Richard Harris stepping in as executive manager. The change in management won’t affect the company’s business model much, according to Robinson. The business will continue to operate out of its headquarters on Sweet Road in Blaine. “Tricor is a fairly local company, based out of Vancouver, and they’re delighted to stay here and keep all the employees,” Robinson said. “This isn’t like a typical buyout where they pack everything up and take it out of state or out of the country. The appeal for them was what we and the community had to offer.” Tricor, a family-owned investment firm, has a history of investing in food businesses. The company owned a stake in Blaine’s Golden Boy Foods until 2014, and has managed more than 75 businesses in its 25-year history. “They plan to expand on the business and develop further ideas,” Robinson said. “They were attracted by our uniqueness and they want to see what more they can do.” Even though he’s out of the chocolate game, Robinson has no intention of kicking back. “I have other business projects that I’m embarking on, not chocolate-related,” he said. “I’m retiring from chocolate but I’m not retiring.”

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 2016

Park district makes steps towards Bay to Bay trail By Oliver Lazenby Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) is moving forward with its plan to create a trail for walkers and bikers between the Canadian border

and Point Whitehorn. Securing an easement between Lincoln Road and Drayton Harbor Road, just west of California Creek, is a crucial next step to the project, which is officially called the Bay to Bay International Trail. The trail commit-

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tee already secured two nearby easements and they thought the third one would fall into place. “The easement in the middle was going to be no problem,” said Ted Morris, park district director. “Well, I’m still working on that.” The 9-mile trail would go from Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve to Blaine on back roads, off-road trails and improved shoulders suitable for walkers. From Point Whitehorn, the trail heads north through Birch Bay State Park to Birch Bay Drive. The route would then continue on the shoulder of Harborview Road from. Once easements are in place, the route would head east on Lincoln Road for a quarter of a mile and then go off-road across private properties toward Drayton Harbor and across California Creek. It would then continue across Dakota Creek and connect with trails in Blaine. To build support and inspire stakeholders for the next phases of the project, the park and recreation district held a roundtable discussion about the trail on February 4 at Birch Bay Bible Community Church. Gary Albright, architect of a trail network on the Oregon coast at Bay City, Oregon, spoke at the event. Albright

directs the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum and was instrumental in developing the Kilchis Point Park Reserve, a 200-acre natural area and trail managed by the museum. The projects are much different in scope but Albright used techniques for raising money and recruiting volunteers that he thought would be helpful for the Blaine to Birch Bay trail. Albright recommended applying for any grant that can be stretched to fit the project and working with anyone who wants to help. Volunteers did most of the labor on the 200-acre Kilchis Point Reserve and Albright recruited everyone from children to inmates to help with the project. At Kilchis, school classes helped replant streamside areas and inmates from nearby South Fork Forest Camp, a minimum security work camp, built trails, boardwalks and signs in the reserve. “The replanting was done almost entirely by children and prisoners,” Albright said. “But not always at the same time.” Albright also stressed the importance of patience. BBBPRD2 started working on the trail in 2007, Morris said. “It does take a lot of patience

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and that’s where I think the similarities are between here and there,” Albright said. “If anyone sat down to do a project like this and knew everything they were in for, they’d be crazy to start.” The roundtable discussion drew interest from recreation and transportation agencies north and south of the proposed trail. To the north, the Bay to Bay International Trail will connect with a network of trails that could potentially extend to Vancouver, B.C. A group of White Rock and South Surrey residents hope to move the busy rail line that goes along the water in those cities and convert it into a waterside trail. Heidi Holmes, program manager for BBBPRD2, already guides walks from the Peace Arch to downtown White Rock and back, she said. From White Rock a trail could eventually continue into Tsawwassen and then to Vancouver, said Eric Stepura, White Rock’s director of leisure services, at the roundtable. “It would be a dream to connect that trail system from South Surrey and White Rock into the U.S. border and Blaine and beyond,” he said. To the south, it’s not hard to connect from Birch Bay to Ferndale and eventually Bellingham, said Mary Anderson, transportation planner with Whatcom Council of Governments.

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February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Bite of Blaine, 2016

p h o t os b y

Steve Guntli

s A guest chooses a sample from Semiahmoo Resort’s table. The Bite of Blaine had a sell-out crowd on February 15. All proceeds raised will go towards the Blaine Fourth of July fireworks display.

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s Steve Seymour of Drayton Harbor Oyster Company goes table-to-table to hand out oysters. The company was named “Best Bite” for the second year in a row.

s Mike Hill of Hill’s Chevron accepts his award for the Blaine Chamber of Commerce’s business of the year. Hill was acknowledged for his tireless work mowing and trimming overgrown grass in public sites around town and for spearheading the effort to clean up downtown.

The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 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

s Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce president Randy Parten, l., presents outgoing president Jeff Carrington with an honorary surfboard on February 11. The board commemorates Carrington’s achievements with the chamber, including spearheading five summer festivals and starting the chamber’s VIP card program.

Photo by Molly Ernst

Letters

Editor Steve Guntli steve@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Reporters Ian Ferguson, Oliver Lazenby ian@pointrobertspress.com, oliver@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 Robert Muse The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXI, No 35 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Feb. 25 Ads due: Feb. 19

The Editor: Washington’s budget continues to look bleak. Our K-12 schools need huge funding increases. Our state’s roads and bridges need repair. Colleges are being starved by continued budget cuts. Businesses struggling to keep their doors open are being targeted for tax increases. Here in Whatcom County, we are losing good-paying jobs from good employers like CH2M Hill, Alcoa and now Faithlife. Where will the new jobs come from to replace those that support families and pay the taxes for our police, fire and schools? We should find ways to welcome new businesses, rather than adding roadblocks to potential opportunities. I’m referring to the Gateway terminal as one example of an industry that wants to locate here with good jobs and high environmental standards. There may be others, but they are surely waiting to see if we as a community finally welcome Gateway or make it so difficult that they move down the road to family

job-friendlier places like Skagit or Snohomish counties. Linda Roll Blaine The Editor: The GPT coal export terminal proposal is based upon a business model that is not viable. Coal is no longer a thriving industry – coal is a rapidly dying industry. Since 2012, nearly 50 coal companies have gone bankrupt, leaving behind impoverished communities and unemployed miners. Cheap, abundant, cleaner-burning natural gas and oil are replacing coal and this decreases demand and causes the price of coal to plummet. The costs of mining coal in Wyoming or Montana and then transporting it by trains and ships across the Pacific Ocean to Asia far exceed what coal is worth. It’s no longer possible to make money by exporting U.S. coal to Asia. Cloud Peak Energy was losing so much money sending its Wyoming/Montana coal to Asia that last Oc-

tober Cloud Peak paid B.C.’s Westshore Terminal $11 million in contract penalties rather than shipping its coal. Subsequently fewer coal trains have been traveling through Whatcom County going to and from B.C.’s Westshore Terminal. Peabody Energy, provider of coal for the proposed GPT, is in deep financial trouble. Peabody Energy had a $2 billion dollar accounting loss for 2015 and now Peabody Energy is unable to borrow more money. Peabody Energy’s stock price has dropped precipitously because investors are concerned that it is nearing bankruptcy. The free market is saying that the GPT coal export terminal proposal is a financial fiasco. The GPT proposal is wholly financed by SSA Marine, a privately owned company. Apparently spending millions Continued on next page Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings 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.

February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Lawsuit ... From page 1

2013. Colten pleaded guilty to three counts of child molestation in 2014 and was sentenced to five years in prison. Dillon, who had been living in Texas when the charges were filed, was arrested and transferred back to Whatcom County in fall 2015. He is currently awaiting trial for two counts of

first-degree child rape and four counts of child molestation. Raymond Dearie, the girl’s attorney, alleged DSHS ignored numerous red flags, including evidence of brain damage and mental health disorders in Dillon that may have stemmed from himself being a victim of sexual abuse. Helen Anderson, a state social worker, admitted on the stand that she did not review the boys’ record of sexual abuse, focusing

instead on vetting the parents. In a statement released February 11, DSHS wrote, “We thank the jury for their work in this trial, which resulted in an $8M verdict for the plaintiffs. We hope this helps the girls receive the therapy, education and other services they might need in the future. DSHS’ Children’s Administration continually improves policies and practices to keep children safe.”

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Letters ... From previous page

of dollars prolonging a doomed project means little to the billionaire owners of SSA Marine. Maybe their egos have blinded them to economic reality. But at this point the US Army Corps of Engineers would be doing SSA Marine and everyone else a favor by immediately denying building permits for the GPT proposal. Once the financially doomed GPT coal export proposal is put out of its misery, Whatcom County can resume efforts to attract sustainable businesses that

really can create permanent jobs and build a healthy, prosperous future for us all. Paula Rotundi Blaine The Editor: On behalf the school board, as well as the students and staff of the Blaine school district, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the patrons of the Blaine school district for their overwhelming endorsement of the four-year levy initiative. It is a tribute to the citizens of Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts, and their continued dedication to the education of students,

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that school-related tax measures have realized such a high level of support over the past two years. We are now positioned to make much needed upgrades to school facilities, while being able to assure that the quality programs that are currently in place can be sustained into the future. We are most grateful for your approval of this critical measure. Ron Spanjer, superintendent Blaine school district

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The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 2016

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NOTICE OF FLUSHING

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.

Blaine wrestlers are rolling to the state meet after the Borderites put on a powerhouse performance at the regional tournament in Bremerton February 13. Three Blaine wrestlers battled to the top of the podium at regionals, and seven Borderites wrestled well enough to move on to the state tournament. Colton Economy (126), Caleb Frey (152) and Riley Fritsch (160) won championships. Anthony Frey finished second at 145. Finishing third for Blaine were Derreck Camba (132) and Preston Bellville (138). Saul Magallon (195) placed fourth. Matt Mcauley (145) and Eric Davis (160) placed fifth. Bellville’s match against Morgan Mower from Port Angeles went to overtime after Bellville scored a 2-point reversal with 12 seconds left to tie the match. In overtime, Bellville scored a takedown to win third place. With the top four finishers from each weight moving on to state, Blaine will send seven wrestlers to the Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome. It was a productive regional tournament for the Borderites, but not unusual given the team’s recent history. Last year, Blaine sent 10 wrestlers to the Mat Classic, and six of those athletes earned medals against the best 2A wrestlers

s Riley Fritsch throws an opponent in the regional tournament Photo by Jasmine Fritsch

from across the state. The year before, Blaine won the state championship as a 1A school. This year at state, the Borderites have a tough road to finals in every weight class, and it’s likely they will face rivals from Sedro-Woolley to get there. Sedro-Woolley placed second at regionals, edging out Blaine by 1.5 points (161.5–160). Olympic won the tournament with 172

points. The state tournament, officially named the WIAA Mat Classic XXVIII, features two days of wrestling to determine the state champion for each weight class. The Mat Classic is held in the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma on Friday and Saturday, February 19–20. Doors open to the public at 9 a.m., and wrestling begins at 10 a.m. on both days.

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s Caleb Frey pins Lynden’s Jonathon Lara in the regional tournament.

Photo by Jasmine Fritsch

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February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Overtime loss sends Borderites home

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info@scitus-tech.com s Shaq Woods, r., dribbles past a Cedarcrest opponent February 16.

B y I a n F e r g u so n After a promising ride into the postseason, the Blaine boys basketball team was eliminated from the Class 2A Northwest District Tournament with a loss to Lynden and a heartbreaking loss in overtime to Cedarcrest. Lynden is a 2A power that was expected to roll over Blaine, but the Borderites held their own in the February 13 matchup at Lynden for a final score of 75–56. Of the four games in the first round of the district tournament, the Blaine/Lynden game had the narrowest margin of victory. The loss to Lynden sent the Borderites into a loser-out round against Cedarcrest at Skagit Valley College February 16. The Cedarcrest game was expected to be close, and for the Borderites it was a heartbreaker that came down to one basket in overtime. Cedarcrest won the game 69–67. Blaine mounted an impressive

comeback in the fourth quarter. After trailing by 11 points, the Borderites managed to tie the game with seconds left on the clock, wending it to overtime. Cedarcrest outscored Blaine 9–7 in overtime. Point-scorers for Blaine were Shaq Woods (23), Kier Munzanreder (21), Ben Adams (16),

Photo by Janell Kortlever

Anthony Ball (4), Carson Knutzen (2) and Marcus Potts (1). Blaine had a 5–5 Northwest Conference record going into the postseason, achieving the first non-losing record since the 2011/12 season. Including the two district tournament losses, the Borderites went 5–7 in conference and 10–13 overall.

Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce Hill’s Chevron

of the year

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Drayton Harbor Oyster Company Edaleen Dairy Good Samaritan Society-Staolt

Lizzie’s Café Paso del Norte Seaside Bakery Café Semiahmoo Resort Subway

e Burrito King e Beach at Birch Bay Tony's Just a Bite Will’O Pub & Café

THANK YOU to the following donors and volunteers who helped make this year's Bite of Blaine a success! Smuggler's Inn Paso del Norte Pizza Factory Turner Photographics Edaleen Dairy Trident Seafoods Sylvia Hayden Creations Semiahmoo Resort Cedarbrook Lodge Law Oﬃces of Roger Ellingson Banner Bank Justesen Industries New Edge Hair Design Peace Arch City Café Blaine Lawn Care Umpqua Bank Home Loan Division Becky Farrar Umpqua Bank – Blaine Branch Umpqua Bank – Bellingham Branch

Paciﬁc Building Center Ocean Bay Chada ai e Northern Light Blaine Healing Arts Kari Hrutﬁord Blaine Healing Arts Laura Hedges Via Birch Bay PAX Gallery Starbucks Bayside Beauty Salon Cascade Floors Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 Blaine Chamber of Commerce Kats & Dowgs Grooming Blaine Bouquets Subway Lizzie's Café Nail Masters

Blaine www.BlaineChamber.com

Jason & Becky Farrar – Advocare Seattle Seahawks Shaazi Jalali -- Scentsy Hill's Chevron Betty Be Good Sage Butterﬂy Barlean’s e Chrysalis Inn & Spa Blaine Library Grandview Golf North Bellingham Golf Course TC Trans Louis Auto Glass Jonathan Harbst Photography e Woods Coﬀee Pac Can Duty Free Nature's Path Food, Inc. Trina McCown -Perfectly Posh

Mara Isabel Spa Blaine Harbor Art Gallery Drayton Harbor Oyster Company Blaine Senior Center Vanderpol Realty Blaine Liquor Outlet Dawn Matthes Photography Wings Over Water Birch Bay Waterslides Date & Paint Rugosa Trading Girl Scout Troop 42579 Blaine Senior Class of 2016 Calypso Kitchen Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Mike Kent/Windermere Real Estate

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

& Visitor Information Center

Facebook.com/blainechamber

The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 2016

Active S eniors

Birch Bay artist Eric Michaels featured in Lynden art show By Steve Guntli

s “Jordan River Anchorage Vancouver Island,” by Eric Michaels.

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Image courtesy Eric Michaels

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Eric Michaels, a Birch Bay resident and nationally acclaimed painter, will introduce his work to the local community at Jansen Art Center in Lynden. Michaels has been a professional artist for 35 years. “I haven’t had a real job since ’72,” he joked. “I was a musician before I became a full-time painter.” He spent a few years early in his career working in commercial art before turning to fine art full time. Michaels was born and raised in Illinois, but spent most of his life in New Mexico and southern Colorado. He and his wife moved to Birch Bay last fall. “We were in the southwest for so long, I felt like I wanted to do a complete 180 and see somewhere completely new,” he said. Michaels specializes in painting oil and watercolor outdoor scenes, what’s known as en plein air. He’s painted landscapes on four different continents and throughout the United States. His work has been featured in more than two dozen international publications, including The Artist’s Magazine, Plein Air Magazine and Art of the West. In addition to the show in Lynden, his work is currently on display in galleries in Colorado, Texas and Arizona, and has been displayed in museums in London. The show at Jansen is his first local show, and it showcases his Pacific Northwest paintings. The exhibit will feature 24 pieces – 14 oil paintings and 10 watercolors – depicting locations like the Nooksack River and Vancouver Island. “I wanted this to be kind of my coming out party to the local Continued on next page

Join us at the

Blaine Senior Center! An active fun place for those 50 and older.

Featuring:

Gym - strength training & cardio (open 6 days a week) Take the 6-week class to use the gym!

Starts March 14th.

Classes • Library • Lunches Entertainment • Community Events Pool & Ping Pong tables Bingo - Win cash monthly Informational & Interesting programs. New Friends and more! For information regarding membership, preregistration for the gym class and more.

763 G Street, Blaine

778-294-5949

332-8040

www.blaineseniorcenter.com

February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Active Seniors -continued

Top four health concerns for seniors and how to prevent them

File photo

By Steve Guntli According to WebMD, the most-visited medical reference site on the Internet, the following afflictions are some of the most common concerns for senior citizens as they grow older. Making an effort to live a healthier lifestyle can lead to a longer, healthier and happier life. Obesity According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of adults ages 65 and older are either overweight or obese. Some seniors are vulnerable to metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar and belly fat, which can lead to heart disease or diabetes. What to do: This will come as no surprise, but the best way to combat obesity is with exercise and a healthy diet. The American Geriatric Society recommends at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day, such as walking or jogging. Reduce your calorie intake by eating fewer sugary foods and drinking less alcohol, and increase your uptake of healthy fats, such

Artist ... From previous page

community,” he said. “I wanted to get my name out there so people would know who I am, and so I could possibly hold some community workshops in the future.” Michaels’ exhibit is currently on display at the Jansen Art Center at 321 Front Street in Lynden. The exhibit will run until April 1. For more information, visit ericmichaelsfineart. com or jansenartcenter.org.

as those found in avocados, eggs, salmon and peanut butter. Arthritis Some seniors find exercise difficult due to joint afflictions, such as arthritis. Nearly half of the world’s elderly population suffers from some form of arthritis, and it can make everyday activities very painful. What to do: Manage your weight, and don’t overdo it when you’re exercising. A 1990 study by the Framingham Osteoarthritis Society found a weight loss of just 11 pounds could reduce the risk of arthritis in knees by nearly 50 percent. Also, when you notice a pain in your joints while on a walk or a run, don’t ignore it or play through the pain. Listen to your body and take it easy. Mental health Many seniors worry about losing their mental faculties as they age, whether to a disease like Alzheimer’s or the memory loss that is common as you grow

older. While everyone, regardless of age, is prone to a “senior moment” from time to time, the likelihood of those moments worsening has a direct correlation to stress and anxiety. What to do: Researchers at the Central New York Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Syracuse say the best way to prevent some of the memory-affecting symptoms of aging is to stop overburdening your brain with multitasking, and find ways to relieve your stress. Exercise, cognitive puzzles such as crosswords or Sudoku, and (pending your doctor’s permission) the occasional glass of red wine may help keep your memory sharp. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to thinner, weaker bones as you age. This could lead to sudden fractures and can make even minor falls major injury risks. Many may assume that weaker bones is just a part of

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Pet Care

The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 2016

Tips and products for a healthier, happier pet!

Spoil your dogs this weekend at Semiahmoo Dog Days By Steve Guntli Bring your pooch out to the spit this weekend for Semiahmoo Resort’s Dog Days Weekend. The resort is inviting dog owners to come out to Semiahmoo spit for the yearly event, which coincides with National Love Your Pet Day on February 20. The weekend will be packed with activities for dogs and their owners. Kick off the weekend early with Yappy Hour in Packer’s Oyster Bar. The dog-friendly get together will take place on the waterside dock of the restaurant 3 p.m.– 5 p.m., where visitors can enjoy custom cocktails

alongside other dog lovers. Yappy Hour will be held on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19. Saturday, February 20 will be dedicated to dog experts from all fields. Meet with experts in pet adoption, dog walking, grooming and veterinary medicine to answer any questions you might have about your pup from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The businesses already confirmed for the event include: Brigadoon Service Dogs; Nose Work Magic; Bellingham Area Runnin’ K9’s; WeSnip; Whatcom Therapy Dogs; Shake & Shine Pet Spa; Turner Pet Photography; The Dog Guy; Bow Wow & Woofs; Canine Divine Pet Spa; Dog in the Ruff; Laura Berger – Thinking Dog; Life Cycle Pet Cremation and Outdoor Canine Companion. Pet owners who want to stay the night can take advantage of the resort’s Bed and Bowl package, which waives the $25 pet fee and includes a special dog bed and dining bowl. Visit semiahmoo.com for information on rates. File photo

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February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Classifieds

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TheNorthernLight.com PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.

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The Northern Light • February 18 - 24, 2016

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100

8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO S E MIA H MO O O P E N H O U S E S OPEN SUNDAY 12-2 OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

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Cheaper than rent!

9375 Valley View Rd. • $398,800

1388 Bayview Ct. #201 • $149,900

2712 s.f., 3-BR, 2.5-BA, office, bonus room, pantry, bamboo floors, granite countertops, maple cab, stainless, gas fireplace, 4-car garage, covered & uncovered deck on 1.05 acres. Gated community of 13 homes near the Resort Semiahmoo. On 64 acres with over 40 acres in conservation easement & trail throughout. Shops are okay, but must match the siding of the home. Peaceful and serene!

Great kitchen with Viking excellence. Masterful 2007 renovation. Classically-built custom featuring Anderson windows, stone fireplace & hardwood floor. Sprawling main floor living has open plan with formal dining, garden deck & two separate seating areas. Private & quiet with filtered water views. Add to that a complete mother-in-law suite & a garage with shop and you have “simply perfect”.

3-BR, 1-BA, -1,600 s.f. on over a ½ acre lot. Updated kitchen, formal living, family room, good-sized bedrooms. Newer roof, vinyl windows, new hot water tank, propane furnace and free-standing pellet stove. 40’x42’ shop built in 2005 w/ loft and 220 power. Outside hobby/tool shed as well. Large back yard, apple/plum fruit trees and located just minutes to Lynden.

2800 s.f. of living space. Sunny south-facing home on 3.33 wooded acres of well-drained soil. Pleasant views to the south, sits back off the road with private northwest feel. Nice layout. Gas hydronic heating system, wood heat and propane gas stove, very efficient. Wrap around front deck with sunken hot tub. Space for animals or that huge shop.

Won’t last, great for someone looking for a U.S. address or getaway home! Absolute best buy! Top floor, well-built 3-BR condo, great room w/fireplace, large balcony & lots of light! Well maintained & in great north county location, minutes from I-5 & border. Walking distance to downtown Blaine and schools. Nestled on a small & quiet side street.

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Livable home reflective of northwest style, & situated in unique secluded area. 4-BR, 3-BA, 2,565 s.f. Quality components, hand scraped engineered wood floors, Marmoleum flooring, gas fireplace, California Closets, kitchen w/wood cabinets, under-counter lighting. Master bdrm features a generous space with walk in closet, sconce lighting. Master bath w/raised counters, dual sinks, soaking tub, shower w/ light and multiple shower fixtures, & heated floor.

21.25 acres ww/water, sewer & storm sewer avail. Subject to verification by buyer. Previously platted out for (not finaled) for 52 lot residential project. Access off Birch Bay Lynden Rd, and separate access off of Blaine Rd. One entrance directly across from Anchor Manor. Other back line is approx. where the gravel drive goes in off Blaine Rd just before the houses on the right after the open field.

Must see, 2 blocks from the bay & downtown Blaine! Originally crafted 1894. Today, loaded w/original character embellished w/timeless current finishes. Large, sunny great room, breakfast nook, granite floor & counters in kitchen, 3 generous bdrms, skylights, 2 new baths, raised panel solid fir doors, molding & millwork, new roof, Hardie siding on the addition, new paint. Alley access in back, lots of parking. Locked storage closet.

Charming home, stellar southern sun exposure & exceptional views of California Creek. Current neutral finishes: subway tiles, honed, engineered wood flooring, s/s Samsung kitchen appliances. Covered & uncovered south-facing decks. Master suite w/ private creek view, covered deck, huge walk in (could be nursery!), ensuite w/large jetted tub, frameless shower door, double sinks & vanities. Oversized (644 sf) garage, mud/laundry rm.

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Ray Pelletti 360-815-0251

Linda Kiens 360-815-6640

In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.

OUSE OPEN .H1-4 SAT

AFFORDABLE

www.windermere.com For Great Deals

CALL HUGH TODAY!

GREAT LOCATIONS!

955 Third St. #201

$140,000

8786 Wood Duck Way $418,000 Easy living in a single story on the 2nd fairway of Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Open floor plan, easy to maintain mature landscape where nature abounds. Peek-a-boo view of Drayton Harbor. Owner will work with buyers’ agents.

GerryAllen@windermere.com

www.gerryallen.withwre.com

Find your new home in the classifieds!

TE S I L T

JUS

350,000

7 Residential Bldg Sites & 2 Water Shares $

SALT WATER VIEWS

7860 Birch Bay Dr. #504 • $159,950

Jacob’s Landing, 2-BR, 1.5-BA, 2 decks, water views, fully furnished. Note to investors: rented 6 months.

WHAT A STEAL! Covered Moorage in Blaine Harbor $15,000

Easy access & secure facility in ship shape order. 46’ length by 20’ beam.

READY TO BUILD!

$33,000

2 ACRES $139,000 Coastal Mtn. & Birch Bay view property on Fingalson Creek Dr.

Partial saltwater view lot on Haxton Way. All services. Ferndale Schools, Watershare/all services, Possible owner terms!

View lot in Birch Bay Village

Gorgeous lakefront O N LY w/ Mt. Baker $ views. Great price for a lot on the lake!

118,000

Lots for Builders, or will build to suit. Call Hugh!

Call LeeAnn for details

360-840-4525

2.1 Acres - Commercial & 1.8 Acres - Residential

Spectacular floor plan, granite counter tops, tile floor, upgraded cabinets, crown molding, two full baths along with builder pride makes this a must see. Great place to call home or generate rental income.

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

HiBay Warehouse

Between Bellingham & the Canadian Border!

Water view condo, short walk to “everywhere!”

MLS #876705

925 Ludwick Ave. Blaine

25 years experierce working for you!

Possible owner contract or joint venture.

Call Hugh - 24 years experience helping buyers & sellers. 2930 Newmarket St. #111 • Bellingham CallHugh.com

Rentals - Rooms

8456 Mayfair Place • $235,000

Immaculately maintained 2003, 1,147 s.f. rambler, 3-BR, 2-BA, 2-car attached garage on a 8,712 s.f. fenced lot.

Place your rental ad in

VANDERPOL Joyce Vanderpol • (360) 332-1169 Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503 REALTY

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

call 360-332-1777

Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING

360.371.5800

www.CallHugh.com

Semiahmoo Golf Course Charmer

Rentals - Residential

AllAllreal realestate/rentals estate/rentals advertisadvering in this is subject tising in newspaper this newspaper is tosubject the Federal Housing to theFair Federal FairAct of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which to advertise any preference, limitation or dismakes it illegalbased to advertise anycolor, preference, crimination on race, religion, limitation or discrimination based on race,orisex, handicap, familial status or national color, sex, handicap, status gin, orreligion, an intention to makefamilial any such preference, or nationallimitation origin,or or an discrimination. intention to makeThis newspaper will not limitation knowinglyor accept any such preference, discrim-any advertisement for real estate is in viination. This newspaper will notwhich knowingly olation of the law. Our readers are hereby inaccept any advertisement for real estate formed that all dwellings advertised in this which is in violation of the law. Our readers newspaper are available on an equal opporare hereby informed that allofdwellings adtunity basis. To complain discrimination, vertised this newspaper are available on call HUDintoll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.

Call for Available Space

BIRCH BAY / CUSTER

3-BR, 2-BA home, Birch Bay Village. Large deck, amenities. New paint and appliances $1195/mo. 5-BR, 4-BA home. Radiant floor heating. Located in Birch Bay Village on Thunderbird Lake $2500/mo.

Yard Space is Available Truck • RV • Boat • Vehicle Parking/Storage

Don Nelson 360-332-2743 www.NelsonBuilding.com

BLAINE

3-BR, 2-BA APT. Garage, W/D, D/W, stove refrig. W/S paid. Available March 1, W/S paid $875/mo. N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,

CALL FOR DETAILS!

360-332-3166

Professional and Retail Office Space

Last space available!

on Blaine Harbor

Minutes off I-5 • exit 276 • Newly constructed, ground floor space • Ideal for US/Canadian business presence • High-speed fiber-optic Internet

Call

360

332-1777

February 18 - 24, 2016 • thenorthernlight.com

Whatcom County sheriff’s reports, February 8 - February 11 February 8, 4:10 a.m.: Serve warrant on Pacific Highway. Portland, Oregon man, 37, arrested on fugitive of justice warrants. February 8, 10:09 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Loft Lane. February 8, 3:02 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Arnie Road. February 8, 3:19 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 8, 4:35 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on West Badger Road. Blaine woman, 18, cited for following too close. February 8, 5:47 p.m.: Civil problem on Crockett Road. February 8, 6:18 p.m.:

Arnie Road. February 9, 5:47 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Blaine Road. February 9, 6:31 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 9, 7:57 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Loft Lane. February 9, 10:01 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay Drive. February 10, 2:50 p.m.: Death investigation on Koehn Road. February 10, 3:42 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Loft Lane. February 10, 4 p.m.: Parking problem on Clamdigger Drive. February 10, 5:46 p.m.: Harassment on Helweg Road.

Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 8, 6:30 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Harborview Road. February 8, 8:02 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Loomis Trail Road. February 8, 8:55 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch BayLynden Road and Valley View Road. Blaine man, 18, cited for negligent driving and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. February 9, 9:08 a.m.: Theft cold call on Drayton Harbor Road. February 9, 5:04 p.m.: Alarm audible on Shintaffer Road. February 9, 5:16 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on

Dining Guide

Breakfast Lunch Dinner 360-778-3826

4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay

February 10, 5:59 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Ashbury Court. February 10, 9:26 p.m.: Security check on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 11, 10:07 a.m.: Welfare check on Seavue Road. February 11, 11:23 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boblett Street. February 11, 11:33 a.m.: Traffic signal/sign on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 11, 4:50 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Custer School Road. February 11, 6:47 p.m.: Trouble with guest on Sunburst Drive. February 11, 11:21 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking, non-injury on California Trail.

Sunday-Tuesday 7am-3pm Wednesday-Saturday 7am-8pm

332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine

Open 7 Days A Week Gluten-free options available!

7608 Birch Bay Dr. • 371-5409 www.BirchBayCafe.com

Fine Farm Food in our Country Café Local Cider, Wine & Spirits

Great Authentic Mexican Food

10 - 5 Daily • 6140 Guide Meridian

758 Peace Portal • Blaine 332-4045

360-318-7720

BellewoodFarms.com

EXPO

SUMMIT

EXCURSIONS

Bellingham, WA

EXPO

Recreation Northwest

Free to the Public

OBITUARIES Ross A. Goodmanson

July 30, 1937 – February 8, 2016 Ross A. Goodmanson, 78, of Birch Bay, passed away Monday, February 8, 2016. The family would like to thank friends and family for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. At his request, there will be no services.

Charles “Roy” Cain

November 7, 1935 – February 1, 2016 Charles “Roy” Cain passed away peacefully at home in Blaine, WA with family by his side on February 1, he was 80 years old. Roy was born a great grandson of the founders of the city of Blaine, WA on November 7, 1935 to James I. Cain and Violet (Reed). He lived his life in Whatcom and King Counties, but always considered Blaine the family home. As a young man Roy enjoyed running carnival rides with his brothers and cruising Birch Bay drive. Roy served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and worked over 40 years at Scott Galvanizing in Ballard, WA. He raised his youngest children in Algona, WA. He enjoyed finding and refurbishing bicycles and antique bed frames, and he was an avid collector of golden age western comic books and movies. He loved the “find” of an old collector vehicle, or just a good deal. In his retirement years he occupied his time finding treasures at the local swap meets and storage unit auctions and collecting scrap metal with his trusted friend Ted Marsel. Roy found great joy in giving away his finds as fast as he found them. Whether to family, a friend or neighbor in need, he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back even if he didn’t have another one. Roy always had a $2 bill or a silver dollar in his pocket for the kids and adults, and will always be fondly remembered by all for his kind hearted generous nature. Roy was preceded in death by his son, Charles Jr. (age 2 mth., 1966) and his daughter, Ruth (age 27, 1994), and his parents and older siblings. Roy is survived by his sons Rodney and Travis, stepdaughter DeAnna (Brown), their mother and his wife of 41 years, Wanda (Grinstead) and his son Jack, stepdaughter Mary (Poe), their mother and his ex-wife Elizabeth (Schultz) and daughter Deborah (Bailey), son Mike (Copher) of previous relationships, and his last remaining sibling Frank and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In honor of Roy’s wishes not to have a traditional funeral, family members are invited to witness Roy’s interment with military honors to his final resting place at Blaine Cemetery on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 1 p.m. Condolences may be sent to The Cain Family at P.O. Box 2161, Blaine, WA 98231.

Farm Market • Bistro • Distillery

Recreation Northwest BASECAMP

DEPOT MARKET SQUARE

Friday, February 26th 4-8pm

This is your chance to connect with the active outdoor community.

Sunday, February 21, 2016 Skagit Wedding Show 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Continuous Fashion Show

Door Prize Drawings!

Sign-up online or onsite to win great DOOR PRIZES!

12885 Casino Dr. Anacortes, WA

www.skagitweddingshow.com 360-428-5972 info@cceventplanning.com Tickets are $8 Online until February 19th • $10 at the Door

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