January 12 - 18, 2017
FREE
Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo on use of force, page 5
Blaine wrestlers take another win, page 6
Best of Blaine Police reports, part 2, page 15
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Stay warm – chilly conditions likely to continue Peace Arch sidewalk sees renewed interest By Oliver Lazenby
(See Peace Arch, page 2)
s Frigid temperatures are likely to stick around in western Washington through next week. High winds and icy conditions led to thousands of reported power outages and several roadway accidents throughout Whatcom County. On January 11, the National Weather Service forecasted an average low of 26 degrees and high of 36 degrees through the weekend.
Photo by Stefanie Donahue
2016
year in
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
2016 Year in Review, Part 2
July • Blaine’s highly anticipated Old Fashioned Fourth of July brought droves of people to downtown. The event featured a pancake breakfast, parade, car show and dazzling fireworks display. • Blaine-based Customs and Border Protection supervisor Detlef Goellner was arrested after injuring three people in a fireworks accident on July 4. Deputies from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene located at the 3700 block of Spring Coulee Road north of Bellingham. Witnesses reported that Goellner was intoxicated and out of control. The accident occurred after witnesses said he threw mortar-style fireworks near a full
table of fireworks, which subsequently lit them all aflame. • Musicians flocked to the G Street Plaza to take part in the Drayton Harbor Music Festival. Previously known as the Blaine Jazz Festival, the week-long event celebrated its 14th year. • A study released by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs revealed a 31.5 percent uptick in the number of crimes reported by Blaine police in 2015. Lisa Moeller, Blaine Police Department records and administrative manager, said the numbers weren’t likely a part of a longtime trend. • Blaine Senior Center director Dana Hanks announced her intention to re-
Semiahmoo spit host to MLK Day beach cleanup B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Volunteers are invited to take part in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day beach cleanup along Semiahmoo spit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, January 16. Removal of trash and large debris will be the paramount objective. Bellingham-based nonprofit RE Sources for Sustainable Communities as well as Washington Service Corps member and Western Washington University club,
Students for the Salish Sea, have partnered to host the cleanup. “Our beaches are crucial to supporting ocean health – they provide habitat for important wildlife that lives in the ocean and on land,” said Sarah Sasek, coordinator for Students for the Salish Sea in a statement. All ages are invited to volunteer. Light snacks and equipment will be provided, however all are encouraged to bring outdoor work gloves and a five-gallon
plastic bucket. Volunteers are asked to park in the public lot at Semiahmoo Park, located at 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. “Volunteer efforts to clean up our local beaches and waterways are opportunities to fulfill our sacred obligation to the Salish Sea and to our home,” Sasek said. “Everyone can engage in the movement for trash-free seas.” Have any questions? Email Lindsey Gard, at lindseyg@re-sources.org.
tire after eight years of work at the popular community hub. She was a strong advocate for the construction of the Blaine Pavilion, located adjacent to the senior center on G Street. • Sand was transformed into sculpture during the 33rd annual sand sculpture competition in Birch Bay. A multitude of eager artists got their hands dirty to participate in the local tradition. • The city ended the month on a colorful note with the first annual Chalk It Up! event on H Street and Peace Portal Drive. August • Drayton Harbor Days rang in its ninth (See In Review, page 2)
INSIDE
A variety of agencies on both sides of the border met in late December to discuss making the Peace Arch border crossing easier for walkers and bicyclists. They’re picking up the pieces of a plan that stalled a few years ago, after BC Parks built a sidewalk from Canada Border Services Agency offices to the border monument in 2011. That sidewalk ends at a patch of grass, and for pedestrians, it’s not clear how to continue through the park, said James Snow, Peace Arch State Park manager. Snow attended the December 20 meeting, along with representatives from US and Canadian border agencies, Washington State Department of Transportation, US General Services Administration and other agencies. The sidewalk situation is not just confusing but can also be dangerous, Snow said. He’s seen pedestrians with strollers arrive at the end of the sidewalk and enter the road, rather than continuing through the grass. “It’s really just a waypoint that’s missing and it’s a safety concern because they just don’t know where to go,” he said. Developing a pedestrian plan for the park has been a priority of the Whatcom Council of Governments for several years. In addition to a sidewalk, the council and other organizations want clear signs directing bicyclists and pedestrians from one end of the park to s The Peace Arch the other. A 2013 report estimated that the project would cost $79,000. The council of governments and Washington State Parks are working on getting an updated cost estimate, said Melissa Fanucci, principal planner with WCOG.
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight
@TNLreporter
@PointRobertsPress
2
E MUSIC: Electric l Society
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Peace Arch ...
Great Teriyaki & Asian Fusion Crepes (sweet & savory) & Bubble Tea!
From page 1
Buy One Teriyaki Plate, Get 2nd
Dine In • Take Out
Fanucci stressed that the plan is in its beginning stages and WCOG doesn’t yet have a time-
HALF OFF
With this coupon. Expires 1/26/17.
line or funding. “We’re making suggestions for improvements, but there’s no confirmation, no schedule, and no funds for the work,” she said. Whatcom Council of Governments is also the lead agency on
a pedestrian plan for the Pacific Highway crossing. That crossing also needs signage and sidewalks, Fanucci said, but should be less costly to update than Peace Arch, according to a draft pedestrian plan.
FREE egg flower soup with every meal! Open: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm • Sun 10am-3pm
360-332-2780 • 1733 H Street #420 (in Cost Cutter shopping mall)
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Fresh, Homemade Family-Style Dining
FRIDAY & SATURDAY • JAN. 13 & 14
BBQ Ribs $1699 Served with Baked Beans & Broccoli Salad
PRIME RIB - Friday & Saturday Nights!
Winter Hours:
Sun. - Thurs. 7am - 8pm • Fri. & Sat. 7am - 9pm
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay Corner of Birch Bay Dr. & Alderson Rd (beside The C Shop) 360-778-3826
The
Join Your Friends at THE at Birch Bay
food & spirits
15% OFF Total Bill
Not valid with other offers. • Excludes alcohol. • Expires 1/26/17.
BEACH! In Review ...
Dog & Family Friendly Kids Menu Full Bar Great Beer Selection Karaoke on Weekends Pull Tabs in the Lounge Fast, Friendly Wait Staff
2-for-1
s A view of the Peace Arch sidewalk.
Mondays are Back!
Get 2 entrees for the price of 1 with the purchase of any two drinks.
Great Food • Sports Viewing • Live Music & Karaoke Hours: Mon-Fri: Restaurant 4-8 • Bar 2-Close Sat & Sun: Restaurant 11:30-8 • Bar 11:30-Close
7876 Birch Bay Drive • 360-922-0816
From page 1
year of community fun. This year, event organizers brought a slew of pirate-themed activities to visitors, including games, crafts, food, a visit from Tall Ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain and the Prestigious George Raft Race. • Voters in the 42nd Legislative District advanced candidates running for state representative positions 1 and 2 to the November election. Voters narrowed the race for position 1 down to incumbent Luanne Van Werven (R-Lynden) and Democrat Sharlaine LaClair. Incumbent Vincent Buys (R-Lynden) and Democrat Tracy Atwood remained in the race for position 2. • A series of classic cars stood
Photos by Oliver Lazenby
on proud display during the second annual Rollback Weekend in Birch Bay. The event featured a beer garden, live music and car competitions. • Public planning efforts behind the design for a new Birch Bay community park kicked off. The public expressed interest in developing a parking lot, restrooms, open space, sports courts and more. The 4.2-acre park is located at 7954 Birch Bay Drive, north of the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center. • Discover Birch Bay Days and Crab Fest once again captured the spirit of the local crabbing community. The crab derby, crab-themed parade and Discovery Days Dash returned for yet another year of fun. • The Blaine Senior Center was the scene for an in-depth discussion about the city’s economic
future. The meeting acted as one of three held to foster a public dialogue about Blaine’s recent Strategic Economic Initiative. At the time, the city was in the midst of tracking survey results from residents, library users and tourists to gauge the economic needs and interests of the area. • Blaine’s public works department hosted its inaugural equipment “Roadeo” next to the Blaine Public Library. The event gave the public a glimpse at the daily life of a city maintenance worker and exposed audiences to interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and even an impromptu water balloon fight. • A proposal to develop a gated community at the southwest corner of Semiahmoo Parkway and Drayton Harbor Road drew wide response from the public, (Continued on next page)
Vinter Dinner
You’re invited to a spectacular five-course
Friday, January 20
Featuring five appellation and single-vineyard designate Patz & Hall Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
FIRST COURSE Pan Seared Scallops
Black Trumpets & Lobster Barley, Crispy Chicken Skin 2014 Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA
SECOND COURSE Roasted Neah Bay Sablefish
THIRD COURSE Braised Lamb Shoulder Black Truffles, Turnips, Smoked Tomatoes
Chestnut Gnocchi, Charred Leeks Green Olive & Tangerine Glaze
2014 Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA
2014 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA
2013 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma, CA
Salsify Puree, Yellow Foot Chanterelles, Foie Gras Sauce
FOURTH COURSE Braised Rabbit Leg
DESSERT Warm Chocolate Tart Cinnamon Cream 2 013 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, Chenoweth Ranch, Sonoma, CA
Spend the night!
Dinner is $125 per person. To make your dinner reservation, contact Suresh Rao at 360-318-2028.
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine
Discount room rates available; use promo code PATZ2017 when booking. Visit www.semiahmoo.com for additional events!
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page) largely from neighboring residents in Semiahmoo. Bellingham-based Rimland Pacific submitted an application to construct a single-family, and potentially multi-family, residential housing development in the area as well an indoor storage facility, a small commercial center and a park. September • US border officials came under fire for an accused crackdown on past pot use. A variety of public testimony revealed serious implications – including a permanent ban on passage into the United States – for admitting to past use of marijuana. State officials on both sides of the border expressed concern and committed to furthering discussions with border authorities. • The Blaine Senior Center welcomed a new director after a weeks-long search. Formerly the executive director of the Bellingham-based nonprofit The Alzheimer Society of Washington, Kathy Sitker took on the role with the goal to make sure the folks at the center enjoyed their golden years. • The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) asked the public to take the #BookBrainChallenge as way to promote community engagement and library card sign-ups. The social media campaign had people from all over balancing books on their heads while dancing, singing, painting – you name it – all on tape. The challenge corresponded with the national Library Card Sign-up Month. • A historic Birch Bay home was offered for use as a new public library building. Just a month after the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s library committee installed a free library box in town, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) board of trustees voted to study a possible new library in Birch Bay. Owner Gary Vogt offered the library system or a Friends of the Library organization the 0.86-acre property located at 7968 Birch Bay Drive for $750,000. • Blaine city staff hosted an end of summer celebration to honor the community donors who helped fund the construction of the Marine Park playground. The nautical-themed playground made its public debut in late Oc-
tober and has since been a hit in the community. • Bellingham’s inaugural SeaFeast celebrated Western Washington’s maritime heritage with a special celebration dedicated to all things seafood. The three-day event featured an international salmon barbeque grilling contest, maritime tours, cooking demonstrations and ended with a hearty feast of fresh seafood. October • Blaine hosted its first Oktoberfest. The harvest-themed event corresponded with Blaine Harbor Art Gallery’s Art-Oberfest, the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday and the Semiahmoo Resort Oktoberfest celebration. The event featured a community breakfast, a horse-drawn hay ride, Blaine’s Gardener’s Market and more. • The Birch Bay berm project was delayed for another year due to the county’s continued need to receive easements required prior to construction. As a result, the project will likely be delayed to sometime after Labor Day in 2017. The county had obtained eight easements at the time of the announcement and required 38 more. • Blaine City Council approved moves to launch a new energy efficiency program for select low-income families in Blaine. The weatherization program is sponsored by Whatcom County’s Public Utilities District No. 1 (PUD-1) and offers five to six low-income families the ability to make their home more energy efficient at no cost. • Blaine school district’s Family Service Center, which provides low-income and homeless students with necessary school supplies and services, reported an increase in demand. In 2015, 51 students experienced a housing crisis and as of October, 21 students in housing crisis were reported for 2016. • A power surge at Blaine High School prompted a four-day closure. The surge caused damage to the school’s electrical room and left the high school campus without power. • Tom Beckwith revealed the results of two surveys released to the public dedicated to identifying the economic needs and interests of residents and library users in Blaine. In all, 420 responded to the resident survey and 223 responded to the library survey. Costs and
methods to execute project proposals had yet to be determined. • Blaine City Council approved an application to develop approximately 20 acres of land at the southwest corner of Semiahmoo Parkway and Semiahmoo Drive. The multi-phase project will lead to the construction of a gated housing community and eventually a mixed-use commercial facility, indoor storage facility and a park. • The Northern Light was honored with 20 awards from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. Achievement in ad design, editorial, photography and web design were all recognized at an annual meeting in Wenatchee. • Planners facilitating the design of the new Birch Bay park, located along Birch Bay Drive, got one step closer to forming a final plan. At a third and final public meeting, planners revealed an intention to include 124 parking spaces, a public restroom, beach access and open space with picnic tables, trees and a small play area in the final design. November • Republican nominee Donald Trump raked in a decisive amount of electoral college votes in the race to become President of the United States. Blaine and Birch Bay voters voted strongly in favor of Trump as well as down-ballot Republican candidates. Nationwide, voters also opted to legalize recreational marijuana in California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine. Statewide, incumbent Washington state governor Jay Inslee celebrated another victory. U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene were also reelected. Washington voted in favor of an increase to the statewide minimum wage (Initiative Measure No. 1433), temporary restrictions on gun ownership for individuals with a court order (Initiative Measure No. 1491) and voted against a carbon emission tax (Initiative Measure No. 732) and the establishment of a public campaign finance system (Initiative Measure No. 1464). Locally, Republican incumbents Luanne Van Werven and Vincent Buys were reelected as state representatives for Legislative District 42. Whatcom County’s Emergency Medical Services Levy, which would impose a tax of 29.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value, was too close to call. In late November, the levy
passed by a slim margin. • Birch Bay volunteer Richard Love was awarded the US President’s Volunteer Service Award for lifetime achievement at age 96. Love racked up more than 10,400 hours of service with the Blaine Food Bank to receive the award. • The city made progress on its pursuit to eliminate derelict buildings and yard waste in Blaine. Community planner Maddie Ottley reported that 91 cases had been resolved since February. • Locals made efforts to ensure no one went hungry on Thanksgiving. The Community Assistance Program (CAP) provided packaged meals to 275 families from Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer. The Blaine American Legion Post 86 also hosted a community Thanksgiving feast at the Blaine Senior Center and served more than 645 meals and delivered an additional 245. December
3
• Blaine City Council approved a 1 percent property tax increase. The increase was expected to generate just over $10,700 in revenue, in addition to higher receipts resulting from new construction and property improvements. Blaine receives an average 11 percent of the total property tax each year. • Recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting restrictions were lifted on 810 acres of Drayton Harbor. The historic announcement came from the Washington State Department of Health after test revealed improvements to water quality. It took more than 20 years for state and county agencies, nonprofit organizations and volunteers to reduce high levels of fecal coliform from the water. A “shell-ebration” soon followed the announcement and joined together many community advocates at the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, located at 677 Peace Portal Drive.
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFI T BLAI NE' S DRAYTON HARBOR MUSI C FESTI VAL ONSTAGE AT THE BLAI NE PERFORMI NG ARTS CENTER 975 H ST.
We are known for being ultra-gentle with our patients!
Healthy Teeth and Healthy Gums for Life! Blaine & Birch Bay
Family Dentistry Bryan Chen, DDS
and
EXP. 1/31/2017
REG. $
347
ly. gum diseases on *In the absence of h other offers. wit d ine mb co be only. Cannot First time patient
after 3 pm
Buy Any Burger & Side and get
H Street
Any Burger & Side
4th St.
Harrison Ave.
H
Martin Street 3rd St.
99
Wed, Thurs. & Saturday
G St.
Peace Portal Dr.
l
a i c e p S t n e i t a P w e N Exam, X-rays ONLY $ cleaning.*
• Keep teeth clean & cavity free • Friendly & caring dentist & staff • Convenient location and appointment times • Gentle care from knowledgeable dental professionals
Prime Rib Friday Nights
F St.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
310 Martin Street, Blaine • 360-332-9534 www.BlaineFamilyDentistry.com
Breakfast (served all day!) Lunch • Dinner
D Street
276
Don’t wait! Call 360 332-9534 for your appointment today!
(equal or lesser value)
FREE
Check our website for coupons
OPEN AT 7am
Mon-Tue 7-3 • Wed-Sat 7-8 • Sun 7-2
234 D St., Blaine
332-3540
www.BigAlsDiner.com
4
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Opinion
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
Seussical Jr. hits the big stage at the Blaine PAC
s Oh, the thinks you can think at the Seussical Jr. performance at Blaine’s Performing Arts Center (PAC) this January. A double cast made up of Blaine High School and middle school drama clubs kicked off the performance of the popular musical comedy on January 5. Above, Corwin Simpson and Madisen Fruneberger perform under the direction of Shari Akers and Kini Stewart, the show runs January 12 through 14 and begins at 7 p.m. with exception of the last show, which starts at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and donations are accepted. Photo by Stefanie Donahue
Letters
Editor Stefanie Donahue stefanie@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby 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 The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXII, No 30 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Jan. 19 Ads due: Jan. 13
The Editor: To the person who hit my pretty green Subaru in the parking lot of the Semiahmoo Golf Club on the evening of Wednesday, January 4, while we were all attending a nice neighborly meeting on disaster preparedness: You hit and scraped my car hard enough to have noticed you did so; and to cause a fair amount of damage I’ll have to pay to repair. It’s really sad that you couldn’t have done the nice neighborly thing and left a note. It’s disappointing to know that not everyone here is a nice, kind, responsible neighbor. Jennifer Plombon Blaine The Editor: It is with great pride in our communities and deep gratitude for the local residents that Blaine Food Bank volunteers announce we successfully raised $25,000 which was the original goal set by a generous benefactor. Last October
a local resident challenged BFB to raise $25,000.00 by December 16, 2016 and he would match the donations up to an equal amount. We did it! Our goal was not only matched, but with a flurry of last minute donations, it was exceeded as we ended the challenge with over $30,000 in cash donations. Blaine Food Bank volunteers were especially gratified because when the challenge was announced to the community, our local residents, churches, schools, and businesses listened. From the smallest donation to the largest, our communities responded to the plea overwhelmingly. Who comes to the food bank? Your neighbors, your friends, your family and people who you attend church with are all among those coming to visit the food bank once a week. Or, described another way, people who are out of work, low income families, senior citizens, veterans of the armed services, the disabled, single moms or dads, or anyone who
temporarily needs help are represented by every person who makes their way to BFB. Who is eligible to receive help from the food bank? With legal documentation proving they live in Birch Bay, Blaine, or Custer, BFB will give food to any family or individual who walks through our front door asking for help. Thank YOU for helping us to help others. With these donations, there will be milk and eggs far into 2017 and extra funds toward a new walk-in freezer. Jerry Bladies on behalf of Blaine Food Bank volunteers The Editor: On December 6 President Obama gave a foreign policy speech at MacDill Air Force base in Florida. At one point in the speech he said, “...I will become the first (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.
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page) POTUS to serve two full terms during a time of war.” After which there was a great applause from the audience. I thought to myself, “Wow, we’ve reached the point now where we are applauding perpetual war.” At last count the USA is making war in seven different countries around the world. We have over 800 military bases around the world. It costs billions of taxpayer dollars per year to keep these facilities going. It is the greatest war making machine in the history of humanity. I argue that it would be wiser for us to allocate our resources to help people in need and to protect the natural world on which we are all intrinsically dependent on. Of course the politicians and generals, who are not much different than the violent religious zealots who they say they so vehemently hate, and who are mostly old, rich, white men, are paid to do the bidding of the giant war machine manufacturers and the bankers who finance them. Money and power are their gods. They also love to keep people in a state of fear. War and terrorist attacks means more fear, more fear means more money and more power. It wouldn’t surprise me if most of these greedy men are impotent, narcissistic bullies who, like all bullies, mask their insecurities by acting tough and by promoting fear. Our future president sure seems to fit this profile. Notice how many Wall Street execs and generals he has put on his staff? He promotes the notion of “America First” as if this country is on a different planet. He wants to build and sell more nuclear weapons. He promotes the idea of the evil “other.” I say we should promote the idea of universal brotherhood and peace. Jim Agnello Birch Bay The Editor: I too felt that the report you made on Canadians being held at the border for specious drug crimes left too many questions unanswered. I feel strongly about issues like these and want all sides covered for a complete picture. I also noticed the absence of any comment from the border patrols involved. Their reasons or any statement was crucial for an accurate understanding rather than the speculations of the defense attorney. These actions warrant the gravest concerns and thus accuracy. The same letter speaks of the Blaine Post Office deficiencies. My experience was intense respect watching mail trucks after hours working fast and hard through all the snow to get the mail delivered. They went far beyond the bounds required by duty. A big thank you is what they should have. That is just my own experience and point of view. Sharon Robinson Blaine
5
Guest editorial: Bill Elfo, Whatcom County Sheriff Law enforcement officers across our nation have been subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism alleging the widespread, reckless and irresponsible uses of force during encounters with citizens. While incidents occasionally occur in various places, it is unfair to attribute these isolated events to the professional officers who serve within Whatcom County. We are fortunate to have a law enforcement culture within our community that reflects professionalism, compassion and competence. Officers do not desire to use deadly force and only exercise such force when necessary to protect the citizens they are sworn to protect and themselves. Deviations from these standards are not tolerated by officers or their agencies. The improper use of force by officers, including deadly force, is extremely rare in Washington state. Law enforcement practices and training in Washington are heralded as a model for other states to emulate. Nonetheless, our legislature responded to critics of law enforcement that referenced questionable instances of deadly force in other states and editorials that inaccurately portrayed facts, by creating the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Use of Deadly Force in Community Policing. The task force was charged with reviewing laws, practices, training; alternatives to lethal force and recommend best practices to reduce violent interactions between law enforcement and members of the public. While law enforcement was represented on the task force, so were other individuals and groups with widely divergent perspectives. A sharply divided task force ultimately issued recommendations that, among other things, called
for eliminating long-standing statutory protections that shield law enforcement from criminal culpability when acting reasonably, in good faith and without malice. I have a grave responsibility to officers and their families for their safety. As sheriff, I ask our deputies to put their lives on the line to protect society and uphold the rule of law. They and other officers all too frequently respond to incidents that most citizens would shun. From approaching armed and dangerously mentally ill people; to intervening in volatile and potentially deadly domestic assaults; to pursuing and searching for assaultive felons; to handling disturbances within the deteriorating jail involving inmates armed with weapons fashioned by dismantling the failing infrastructure. The risks and dangers officers face are real and are driven home by recent incidents in Tacoma and Mount Vernon. Unlike private citizens, officers do not have the option to run away from violent threats that endanger our society. Rather, they must move toward the threat and make split-second decisions under difficult, dangerous and often terrifying circumstances. An error in judgment could be deadly for the officer or the citizens they are sworn to protect. Deputies and other law enforcement officers are trained to defuse situations through crisis intervention and are provided an array of non-lethal weapons that are deployed under appropriate circumstances. I can cite instance after instance where intervention and non-lethal alternatives were used to safely resolve situations that had the potential to turn deadly. Other law enforcement agencies within the county maintain similar practices and regularly train together to help ensure
CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public.
s Bill Elfo resources are available at critical incidents. Deputies perform these functions in a challenging environment. Washington state has the lowest ratio of officers to citizens of any state in our nation. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has the lowest ratio of deputies to citizens of any law enforcement agency in Whatcom County. Within the jail, serious safety issues have been well known for decades but remain unresolved. In response to the divided task force report, several members of the legislature filed bills that would eliminate the legal protections that are necessary for officers to respond appropriately and safely to serious threats. Law
HIGHER END HOUSES: 2-story house with 1,432 s.f., 3 BR, 2 BA, built in 1985, .21 acres land, 140 foot waterfront; marine view.
1g FOR $30 OUT THE DOOR! Come get yours while supplies last! Expires 1/19/17.
H Street
Blaine Pea c
e Po
rtal
www.cityofblaine.com
LOCATION
SALE PRICE
775 Claire Lane, Point Roberts
$627,538
New condo with 2,973 s.f., to be built in 2017, 4 BR, 4 BA, patio and garage, waterfront; marine view.
Unit 18, Semiahmoo Shore $1,216,674 Condominium, 9401 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
New condo with 3,053 s.f., built in 2016, 4 BR, 4 BA, patio and garage, waterfront; marine view.
Unit 18, Semiahmoo Shore Condominium,
$1,079,000
1-story house with 2,507 s.f., 2 BR, 2 BA, built in 2006, 840 s.f. attached garage, 700 s.f. bonus room, 715 s.f. patio, tennis court, .36 acres land; territorial view.
9401 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$650,000
2-story house with 2,012 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, 555 s.f. loft, built in 1986, 462 s.f. attached garage, 1,263 s.f. deck, hot tub, 60 feet waterfront, .24 acres land; marine view.
8991 Snowy Owl Lane, Blaine
$890,000
9126 Mallard Road, Blaine
$875,000
210 B Street, Blaine
$1,500,000
199 Marine Drive, Blaine
$400,000 (building only)
725 South Beach Road, Point Roberts
$540,000
Nootka Loop, Blaine
$115,000
Residential Lot
Lot 44, Cottages at Seabright Farm, 2105 Seabright Loop, Point Roberts
$280,000
9.72 acres residential land.
Johnson Road, Point Roberts
$231,000
Birch Point Road and Semiahmoo Lane, Blaine
$425,000
Marine Drive, Blaine
$600,000
1-story restaurant with 2,480 s.f., 276 s.f. balcony, includes 2-story house with 3,375 s.f., 1,386 s.f. finished basement, built in 1934, 2,336 s.f. deck, 135 feet waterfront, 165 feet tideland, .62 acres land; marine view. LAND ONLY: Residential lot, waterfront; marine view.
6 residential lots.
D Street
U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
DECEMBER 2016
DESCRIPTION
1-story warehouse with 7,900 s.f., built in 1971, remodeled in 1998.
Canada U.S.A.
January 26, 7 pm Planning Commission meeting – Code Scrub – Zoning Code Amendment – Marin Condominiums Shoreline Permit Extension
Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: 2-story, 26 unit apartment building with 16,940 s.f., built in 1970, .67 acres land.
Farmwest Purple Kush Rosin
Monday, January 23, 6 pm Council meeting and Public Hearings: Six Year TIP Update Transportation Benefit District Petition to Vacate – NW Land Co. Blaine Petition to Vacate – Blaine Industrial Park
RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES
1-story house with 3,249 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, built in 2016, 1,056 s.f. attached garage, 540 s.f. deck, waterfront, 1.01 acres land; marine view.
ARE WE OUT OF OUR MIND?
Thursday, January 19, 9 am Special Council meeting – Approval of 2016 Payables
(See Guest, page 9)
PHAT PANDA
Buds • Edibles • Waxes Oils • Topicals
Thursday, January 12, 9:30 am – Park and Cemetery Board meeting 7 pm – Planning Commission meeting - Marine Park – All Hazards Alert Broadcast System – Shoreline Permit
6 residential lots with 320 feet tidelands.
MikeKent.com Sponsored by:
Dr.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9-10pm • Sun 9-8pm
922 Peace Portal Drive, Downtown Blaine 360-332-8922 Must be 21+ This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
I-5 Exit 270 at Birch Bay Square 360-527-8901 • mike@mikekent.com
6
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Sports
migration Law Firm Law Firm The Immigration
• U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization • Work / investor visas • Work / investor visas • Denied entry waivers • Denied entry waivers • Removal hearings • Removal NEXUS appeals hearings • NEXUS appeals
360-332-7100 360-332-7100
ation.com www.blaineimmigration.com •www.blaineimmigration.com 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 •••435 Blaine, WA St., Blaine,WA WA 435Martin Martin St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine,
rd D.M. Saunders,Leonard AttorneyD.M. at Law Saunders, Attorney at Law
We may be small but we have it all! In stock, same day or next day service! Your one stop shop for all your automotive needs.
AUTO SERVICE
PARTS
TIRES
365 D STREET • BLAINE, WA • (360) 332-7018 HOURS: MON.-FRI. 8 AM — 5:30 PM
Blaine wrestlers continue to place in big tournaments By Oliver Lazenby Blaine wrestlers faced some of their toughest tests of the season in the last few weeks and, led by Saul Magallon, Colton Economy and Riley Fritsch, delivered strong performances. Blaine wrestlers earned a 10th place team score out of 35 teams at the Pacific Coast Wrestling Championship on December 29 in Vancouver, Washington. After the holiday break, Blaine wrestlers beat Meridian and Squalicum in a tournament at home on January 4. Blaine beat Meridian 69–21 and Squalicum 54–18. “I think we’re finding our groove,” said head coach Colt Warren. “I love this time of year, right before postseason. It’s definitely time to reflect on what we’ve done and set some goals for the postseason.” Postseason begins on February 3 with sub-regionals in Sedro-Woolley. Warren is hopeful
s Blaine’s Colton Economy, r., on his way to a third place finish at Gut Check Challenge in Bremerton. Photos by Jasmine Fritsch that eight to 10 Blaine wrestlers will advance through the playoffs to the state championships at the Tacoma Dome on February 17–18. At Gut Check Challenge on January 6–7 in Bremerton, Blaine wrestlers hit the mat with teams
$100*
REBATE
On Qualifying Purchases Of Hunter Douglas Window Fashions*
JANUARY 14 TO APRIL 10, 2017 Bellingham (360) 738-8175 www.LorrainesWindowCoverings.com *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/14/17–4/10/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.
s Saul Magallon, in white, took third place in his weight class at the Gut Check Challenge wrestling tournament last weekend.
from Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington. Many weight brackets included a past state championship. Blaine placed 26th out of 58 teams at Gut Check, and three Borderites placed individually. Riley Fritsch placed 7th in the 170-pound class, and two Blaine wrestlers took 3rd place – Colton Economy at 132 pounds and Saul Magallon at 220 pounds. One highlight was Magallon’s matches against J.J. Perez of Century High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. Magallon lost to Perez in the quarterfinals but then wrestled him again in the third place match, where he pinned him in the second round. “He wrestled a really, really intelligent match,” Warren said. “He knew what his opponents strengths were and he wrestled in order to take away those strengths and it showed on the mat.” Blaine’s next home dual meet is on January 18 against Bellingham and Sehome high schools.
YOUR WINDSHIELD COULD Blaine fifth graders celebrate weekend win SAVE YOUR LIFE! Through 4 generations and over 86 years,
Louis Auto Glass has dedicated itself to safety and service.
FREE Dinner with any windshield purchased and installed!* *Cannot be combined with any other offer.
The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. The AGSC was founded and is supported by companies in the auto glass replacement industry that keep safe installation as their primary goal and is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development organization. For more information, please visit our website at www.agsc.org.
Specializing in Same-Day Service. We Stock Windshields for Nearly Every Vehicle. Bellingham • 1512 N. State St. • 734-3840 Lynden • 407 19th St. • 354-3232 www.LouisAutoGlass.com
s Dauntless, Blaine’s fifth grade girls basketball team, went 3–0 at a tournament in La Conner last weekend. From top l., Jordyn Vezzetti, Alia Ball, Déja Dubé, Bella Vezzetti, Emersyn Bakker and Avery Snow. From bottom l., Teyana Zaddack and Abbey Visser. Photo by Ashley Anderson
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com
Blaine girls give up big second quarter in loss to Ferndale By Oliver Lazenby The Blaine varsity girls basketball team has a solid overall record of 5–6, but they hasn’t yet won a Conference game. The Borderites playoff hopes are still alive, however, because the majority of their conference games are coming up in the second half of the season and they’ve already played some of the bigger schools in the conference. The Borderites have made a pattern of giving up one bad quarter in some of their tougher games this season. A 55–33 Blaine loss in their most recent home game against Ferndale (5–5, 3–2 in conference games) on January 9 is a good example. Subtract the score from the second quarter, in which Ferndale outscored Blaine 23–1, and the game would have been a tie. “We’re not far off from being in the game with Ferndale. It’s just a late pass here, a late catch here,
a missed layup – stuff like that,” Pike said. “It’s not like we’re getting pounded, it’s just a little thing here or there.” Blaine got off to a 10–4 lead three minutes into the first quarter, but Ferndale turned up the pressure on defense after that and had a huge second quarter. Ferndale sunk four of its six three-pointers in the second quarter and forced Blaine to run down the shot clock and take weak shots. “They’re lanky and fast. They like to pressure the ball and go for steals,” Pike said. “Sometimes things go bad and it kind of snowballs before you can have a chance to take some time and calm down.” By halftime, Ferndale led 35– 11, thanks in part to high-scorer Gabby Edison who racked up 11 points in the game. Ferndale’s offense is varied: of its 12 players, only one went scoreless on Monday.
After scoring just one point in the second quarter, the Borderites regained composure and came back to score 24 in the second half. Brynn Hallberg led the Borderites offense with 13 points, nine of which came on free throws. Josie Deming scored eight and pulled in six rebounds and Ashley Dickerson scored seven. “I respect my girls because they don’t give up and they don’t quit. We just need to play a solid four quarters and not give up those big quarters,” Pike said. Playing a solid four quarters should be easier in the next couple of weeks, as the Borderites face some smaller 2A opponents. “I think we have a good shot at the playoffs,” Pike said. Next, the Borderites play Meridian at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 12. The team’s next home game starts at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, against Lynden.
s Josie Deming gets fouled going for a layup in the Third quarter against Ferndale. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
FAJITAS FOR TWO $ 50
25
(Chicken or Beef) Dine in only. Exp. 1/26/17. Not valid with any other offers.
Football Playoffs!
Watch the games with us! TV’s in Dining Room Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner!
s Blaine varsity basketball players during a timeout in a 55–33 loss to Ferndale.
758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine • 332-4045
Photo by Oliver Lazenby
www.pasodelnorte.net
Dirty Dog Wash With Love
S Blaine’s typically small bench was even smaller on Monday with players missing due to illness and injuries.
Grooming Pet Styling & In-Home Boarding
Happy New Year!
Nail Clipping $5 DogFridays 9-11
Photo by Oliver Lazenby
home against Squalicum.
January 4 to January 10
January 9: Blaine lost 55–33 at home against Ferndale.
Boys Basketball: January 5: Blaine lost 76–65 away against Squalicum. January 9: Blaine lost 69–61 away against Ferndale. Girls Basketball: January 6: Blaine lost 43–31 at
Wrestling: January 4: Blaine beat Meridian 69–21 and Squalicum 54–18 at home. January 6–7: Blaine placed 26 out of 58 teams at Gut Check Challenge in Bremerton.
16TH St.
BHS sports recap
D St.
14TH St.
360-371-8874 • 360-392-0224
(on east side of truck route)
B St.
Peace Portal Dr.
Full Service Grooming Self Service Bathing
1575 B Street Blaine
BLAINE H St.
5
543
288 Martin St. Downtown Blaine (360) 332-7300 • (604) 256-1384 www.Fortiphi.com Formerly Blaine Insurance
Policies for all your personal & business needs. Great, affordable rates - Call us for a FREE QUOTE today! Representing over 44 major insurance companies for all your insurance and risk management needs. Foritphi Insurance is an independent insurance agency serving the Northwest since 1954.
Call our team today for all your insurance needs.
7
8
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Active S eniors
2016
year in
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
Blaine Senior Center
B y K at h y S i t k e r It takes a community to support the Blaine Senior Center. Let me take you on a tour through the accomplishments of that community during 2016. On “Members Street,” we have 652 members that participated in a host of activities including puzzle-solving, bocce, pool, table tennis, bridge, pinochle and crafting. Music permeated our center from the ukulele group, singing, entertainment to dancing. Our members learned about computers, played Bingo and celebrated monthly birthdays. Daily, approximately 120 members used the center. Turning onto “Volunteer Boulevard” we can see 72 busy people each essential to the completion of dozens of tasks involved in the maintenance, activities, events and projects keeping our center buzzing all year. Around the corner is “Donation Street” with private business, the
city of Blaine, Whatcom County Council, Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA), Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) and many private individuals supporting the center with both dollars and skills. Across town on “Culinary Street,” over 13,671 meals were prepared in our kitchen and served in 2016 including our lunch program and other weekly community dinners. Oh, and don’t forget “Exercise Lane,” where 52 members took the strength training class to use our fitness room and an average of 60 used it each day. We also had line dancing, yoga, stretch class and self-directed exercise classes. “Fundraising Drive,” is a busy street hosting an explosion of activity throughout the year, including, pancake breakfasts, rummage sales, auctions, spring tea, 4th of July, spaghetti feed and Christmas bazaar. Finally, we’ve arrived at “Per-
What’s on the menu? Here’s a look at what the Blaine Senior Center is serving up through January. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fri., January 13 Denver omelet Roasted potatoes Spinach salad Fruit and yogurt Tues., January 17 Baked salmon Wild rice Brussels sprouts Garden salad Fruit Wed., January 18 BBQ chicken Baked potatoes Green beans Garden salad Pineapple Thurs. January 19 Burgundy braised Beef tips over rice Ginger glazed Carrots Kale citrus salad Raspberry sherbet Fri., January 20
s Kathy Sitker sonal Health Circle” where our members took part in such programs as the memory loss support group, healthy weight loss support, foot care, informational seminars, Tai Chi and the painting class to name a few. Visit us at 763 G Street, or call 360/332-8040 or explore blaineseniorcenter.org for more information.
Sausage and kale soup 1/2 Tuna sandwich on wheat Garden salad Pudding Mon. January 23 Baked cod Roasted yam Green beans Coleslaw Tropical fruit Tues., January 24 Birthday lunch Roasted pork loin Apple chutney Mashed potatoes Nantucket veggies Fruit Wed., January 25 Coconut curry Chicken Broccoli florets Garden salad Carrot cake
Thurs., January 26 Asian chicken Salad Egg roll Mandarin oranges Fri., January 27 Grilled Reuben Pickle spear Roasted sweet Potato Garden salad Sliced peaches Mon., January 30 Chicken and dumplings Chef’s veggies Garden salad Fruit Tues., January 31 Pub-style fish Potato wedges Caribbean veggies Garden salad Fruit
Young at Heart: January 2017 B y L o r r i e C o n ya c
Providing exceptional senior care & services for more than 60 years in Whatcom County Newly Remodeled and Spacious Private Suites, TV, Wi-Fi, Phone All Major Insurances Accepted • MDCR / MDCD Post-Acute Rehab / Skilled Nursing Edema Management / Wound Care
456 ‘C’ Street, Blaine 98230 • 360-332-8733 www.good-sam.com/stafholt
Happy New Year! Since we’re way past the holidays, you’re probably starting to feel right back at your pre-holiday weight, right? All this cold weather hasn’t deterred you for one moment from walking every day, or at least three times a week, right? Well, if you are like me, the
Pam Hanson
weight is still there and walking in 20-degree weather is simply not going to happen. Thankfully, I have the solution. Join me and others at the Blaine Senior Center for beginning line dancing from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Thursdays, January 12, 19 and 26. The lessons are free and it will be a fun way to give our pudgy little bodies a good workout – I
INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
Specializing in Senior Health: • Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplements • Prescription Plans • Long Term Care Insurance
Turning 65? Call me to help set up your medicare!
My services are free… Your peace of mind is PRICELESS!
Over 16 Years of Experience!
IN-HOME APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.
(360) 224-1395
Pam@PamHansonIns.com
Visit us online at www.PamHansonInsurance.com
Orchard Park Retirement & Assisted Living Residence
Please come and tour our wonderful community! Book a tour!
844 W. Orchard Drive, Bellingham, WA 360-647-3708
Your Connection to Community Resources l Information and Assistance l
l Confidential and Free of Charge l Caregiver Support • In-Home Care • Medical/Dental Legal Options • Prescription Assistance Long-Term Care • Medicare/Medicaid • Housing Supporting the independence, dignity, and health of community members of northwestern Washington
Aging & Disability Resources 600 Lakeway Drive, Suite 100 Bellingham, WA 98225
360-738-2500
hope I see you there! For those of you that would rather exercise the mind, I have an answer for that, too. Let’s learn to play mahjong. A new mahjong group will meet from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays. Beginners are welcome. Bring a friend in the morning for beginning line dancing, stay for a good nutritious lunch and then have a rousing game or two of mahjong. A New Year is beginning, why not start it by learning something new? I would be amiss if I didn’t tell you of our new strength training class starting Monday, January 23. Classes generally meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Our instructor, Phil Aguirre, will introduce you to our strength training machines, teach you how to use them and help you to develop a program that will meet your needs. Call the Blaine Senior Center and find out how you can enroll in our next class. Each month I’ve written a little about our volunteers. We simply could not keep our doors open if it weren’t for all the people that donate their time and skills. Whether they’re answering the phones, sweeping the floors, donating games, furniture, strength training machines or working at our major and minor fundraisers, our volunteers are the best. Take a moment to touch base with our office and see what you can contribute. (Continued on next page)
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com
Active S eniors (Continued from previous page) This month, Cindy Brandenburger is our volunteer of the month. Cindy spends many hours helping out around the center. She likes Tai Chi, line dancing and just having fun. She’s also on our board of directors. If you bump into her, you might want to have her tell you about the time she rode horseback from Texas to Valley Forge, PA on the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train. Cindy
is a licensed veterinary technician and is the owner of A Sweet Country Kennel. Thank you Cindy for all you do for us. Don’t forget our pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21. Adults are asked to pay $6, while children under age 6 get in for $4. Bring a friend and a healthy appetite. Blaine Senior Center is located at 763 G Street, Blaine. Call us at 360/332-8040.
Self-care tips for caregivers More than 10,000 people in the United States turn 65 years old every day, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This growth in the aging population has led to an increased number of people who care for loved ones in their homes. “While many people are happy to take care of aging loved ones, playing this caregiver role can still be physically, mentally and emotionally draining,” said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president, Sam’s Club Consumables and Health and Wellness. “As a result, it can be easy for caregivers to forget about caring for themselves at times.” To help, Turner-Mitchael and Sam’s Club pharmacists are offering time-saving, stress-reducing tips to help caregivers support their loved ones while also maintaining their own well-being. • Focus on food and fitness. Maintain a healthy, energy-boosting diet that includes organic fruits and vegetables, lean protein and vitamins. Try to stay active, as well. To keep yourself accountable, consider using a wearable device that tracks your daily diet and activity level. • Log on. To save time and effort, shop online when possible. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get everything you need with the click of a button. • Give yourself a break. Convene a family meeting to discuss any challenges that you’re facing and see what others can do to light-
en your load. Identify someone who can fill in for you for periods of time, so you can take breaks outside of the home to relax and refresh. Doing so will likely help you return to your role with even more energy. • Seek support. Find a caregiver support group that can help you make connections with others who understand your perspective. Seek out other existing resources that are designed to support caregivers, as well. “As the number of caregivers rises, so does the importance of offering resources that make their lives easier,” says Turner-Mitchael. “As a club of the community, we are working to do just that, so caregivers can focus on what is most important – the health of their loved ones and themselves.” • Engage your employer. Around 42 million Americans act as caregivers while also working outside of the home, according to AARP. If you are juggling work and home responsibilities, ask your manager about perks or policies that may help you find balance, such as flexible work schedules, emergency time off or on-site eldercare. Neglecting your own health does no one any favors, so don’t let caregiving mean the end of self-care. With the right resources and resolve, rest assured that you can provide the best care possible while also maintaining your own health. Courtesy of StatePoint
Start 2017 with a Membership to the Blaine Senior Center! Are you 50 or older? Join for just $35 per year! Stop by for a tour and learn all about the programs offered!
Work out in our Gym! (Strength training class required)
Blaine Senior Center 360-332-8040 763 G Street, Blaine WA
2016 year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
Blaine American Legion Post 86
B y D av i d V a n D u i s e n The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 86 in Blaine have done some amazing things for your community this year. Every year we have a hamburger and hotdog stand in front of the war memorial at the Blaine police station on Blaine’s old fashioned 4th of July. This is our main fundrais-
2016 year in
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
9
er for the community Thanksgiving feast, while 100 percent of the proceeds go to our veterans, their families and the community. This year’s Thanksgiving feast at the senior center served 646 meals, and the community volunteers came out of the woodwork to support a great cause that is free to everybody. We delivered 245 meals to shut-ins and
volunteers transported several back home when they were done with an awesome meal and great company. I would like to thank the city of Blaine and the new director at the Blaine Senior Center Kathy Sitker for working with me to make it all come together and to make sure nobody goes hungry in Blaine on Thanksgiving.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2
By Heidi Holmes The opening of the new pavilion building in February was key to the district’s ability to offer more programming. This past year, the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) saw huge growth in its group fitness classes. Many programs such as Zumba, line dance and yoga are now offered through the district at the Pavilion in Blaine. Classes like these and others such as POUND, karate, pickleball and badminton can be found at the Birch Bay Activity Center. New classes that generated to the busy schedule were Let’s Get Fit, Step Dance and Country Heat. For the kids, ongoing gymnastics classes are held weekly. Four week introductory programs such
Guest ... From page 5
enforcement within Whatcom County has the backs of our citizens. Citizens should support professional and effective law enforcement and laws that make their jobs safer. Despite the good work of law enforcement, much more should be done to reduce violent and deadly encounters between offi-
as Pre-Cheer, Indoor Soccer and Basketball Basics are offered. In an effort to bring out the stay at home mom’s or working families, free daycare is available for many of our classes. Once again, the BBBPRD2 was able to help fund community projects. Grants were given to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Peace Arch Music Festival, Girls Fastpitch Softball, Cub Scouts and Friends of Birch Bay State Park. With these funds, the organizations were able to provide recreational opportunities to members of our community and guests. The board of commissioners adopted the master plan in February. With the approval of this plan, the district can seek grants from state and federal agencies to help develop trails and pathways. The plan
also is a focal point of what projects or goals the community would like to see the district implement. Out in the community, the district continues to work on bringing a safe bicycle – pedestrian route to Blaine and Birch Bay as well as partnering with Whatcom County Parks and Recreation to develop the community beach park in Birch Bay. Events such as Pirate Daze, Kid’s Olympics, Kite and Skimboard festival and the Holiday Lights Dash were made possible with partnerships with the Blaine and Birch Bay Chambers. With the assistance of the Birch Bay Waterslides, our local youth had an opportunity this summer to spend the day enjoying the outdoors and the slides with the weekly day camps.
cers and citizens. The legislature should start by “fixing” the broken mental health system. Making mental health treatment available before situations escalate would reduce instances of violence perpetrated on citizens and officers. Ensuring that dangerously mentally ill people are humanely detained within the mental health system until they can be effectively released to community treatment would also reduce
violence. At the local level, focus should be directed on ensuring adequate staffing exists for appropriate responses to dangerous situations; that officers continue to receive the training needed to maintain their competence; that compensation systems are adequate to attract and retain the best officers available; and that deputies not work within a jail facility that by its very nature and condition, creates unreasonable risks of harm.
Whatcom County Sheriff reports: January 1-8 January 1, 4:13 a.m.: Motor vehicle
January 3, 2:18 a.m.: Missing per-
January 5, 10:01 p.m.: Vandalism
accident non-blocking, non-injury,
son on Holeman Avenue.
cold call on Moonglow Court.
on Portal Way.
January 3, 9:14 a.m.: Harassment
January 6, 2:43 a.m.: Alarm audible
January 1, 6:48 a.m.: Trouble with
cold call on Bay Road.
on Birch Bay Drive.
guest on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
January 3, 7:08 p.m.: Motor vehicle
January 6, 8:58 p.m.: Motor vehicle
January 1, 5:13 p.m.: Threat cold
accident non-blocking, non-injury on
accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden
call on Portal Way.
Harborview Road and Lincoln Road.
Road.
January 2, 1:50 a.m.: Suspicious cir-
Blaine man, 23, cited for operating a
January 7, 9:34 a.m.: Motor vehi-
cumstances on Fern Street.
motor vehicle without insurance and
cle accident injury on Arnie Road.
January 2, 11:40 a.m.: Burglary
headlamps.
Custer man, 54, cited for driving with
cold call on Haynie Road.
January 3, 10:26 p.m.: Traffic haz-
wheels off the roadway.
January 2, 12:48 p.m.: Serve papers
ard on Portal Way.
January 7, 12:39 p.m.: Serve war-
on Comox Road.
January 3, 10:33 p.m.: Suspicious
rant at milepost 276, I-5.
January 2, 2 p.m.: Vandalism cold
vehicle on Halibut Drive.
January 7, 5:18 p.m.: Civil problem
call on Fir Drive.
January 4, 12:34 p.m.: Suspicious
cold call on Loft Lane.
January 2, 3:45 p.m.: Death inves-
person on Arnie Road.
January
tigation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
January 4, 6:54 p.m.: Suspicious
check on Harborview Road.
January 2, 3:54 p.m.: Domestic
person on Harbor Drive.
January 8, 2:26 p.m.: Civil prob-
physical on Yellow Fin Court. Blaine
January 4, 7:21 p.m.: Assist citizen
lem cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden
man, 43, arrested and cited for as-
on Breeze Loop.
Road.
sault fourth degree.
January 5, 9:17 a.m.: Traffic prob-
January 8, 8:06 p.m.: Trespass on
January 2, 5:13 p.m.: Domestic ver-
lem on Pacific Highway. Surrey man,
Birch Bay Drive.
bal on Roger Road.
40, cited for driving with license sus-
January 8, 9:18 p.m.: Suspicious
January 2, 10:01 p.m.: Runaway
pended third degree.
person on Birch Bay Drive.
cold
January 5, 7:06 p.m.: Hit and run
January 8, 10:50 p.m.: Suspicious
cold call on Main Street.
person on Birch Bay Drive.
Road.
call
on
Birch
Bay-Lynden
7,
8:25
p.m.:
Security
10
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
TIME TO PLAY IN THE SNOW! Mt. Baker Ski Area is having the best season in years with a current snow base of 109” at Heather Meadows. Whether you go for the day or stay overnight, here’s where to eat and stay:
DI N I NG
Welcome Grocery
5565 Mount Baker Highway Deming 360/922-7294 Brand new! Eat in or take out. FreshEverybody’s Store made, homestyle breakfast, lunch and 5465 Potter Road, (off Hwy 9) Van Zandt dinner. Pastries, deli sandwiches, rotisserie 360/592-2297 chicken and more. Largest bottle shop in everybodys.com This delightful, eclectic store features a region. wide array of gourmet meats, specialty cheeses and fine wines, many of which Chair 9 Woodstone are made locally. Also check out their great Pizza and Bar selection of clothing, books and artwork. 10459 Mt Baker Highway Glacier 360/599-2511 The Historic Rome chair9.com The perfect place to enjoy a great family Grocery Store meal or a brew after a day on the mountain. 2908 Mt. Baker Highway Bellingham Bands play weekends, and the space offers 360/592-5841 plenty of dancing room. Try the “Canuck’s romegrocery.com Since 1915. Serving a locally inspired Deluxe” pizza, a staff favorite. Open for menu. Gourmet sandwiches, soups lunch and dinner. Dine in or take out. and salads, pizza, 100 percent grass fed Check music events on Facebook. burgers. Daily specials. Espresso, ice cream cones, fresh baked goods. Beer, wine and Graham’s Restaurant cider. 9989 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier
Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine 5415 Mt. Baker Highway Deming 360/592-2888 ilcafferifugio.com Gourmet full-service menu, serving wine, beer and espresso at reasonable prices. 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. Thursday – Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 15 minutes from Bellingham. New drive up bar. Live music and events.
The North Fork Brewery and Beer Shrine
360/599-9883 Grab a stool at the legendary bar and enjoy rotating selections of fine craft beers, ciders and wine. Serving fresh rustic pub fare with fantastic daily specials. Weekend breakfasts.
Milano’s Restaurant 9990 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier 360/599-2863 milanosrestaurantbar.com For 25 years Milano’s has been a landmark of the Mt. Baker foothills. Now you get our improved traditional Italian recipes plus daily specials to make you remember us. A feast for all senses.
6186 Mt. Baker Highway Deming 360/599-2337 Wake ‘N Bakery northforkbrewery.com Looking for marriage or a pint of 6903 Bourne Street Glacier fresh ale and hand-tossed pizza? This 360/599-1658 pizzeria, brewery, wedding chapel and getsconed.com beer museum is your place! Open to all. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 5ish p.m. Serving Monday-Friday: Dinner, Saturday–Sunday: breakfast burritos, quiche, soup, lunch wraps and freshly baked goods. Savory Lunch and dinner. and sweet gluten-free options. Organic espresso and coffee. Indoor and outdoor seating. Dine in or take out.
LODGING
Luxury Getaways
9989 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier 360/398-9590 or 877/90-BAKER stayatmtbaker.com Baker Accommodations From mountain chalets to waterfront 7425 Mt. Baker Highway Maple Falls lodges, Luxury Getaways offers overnight 360/599-2999 or 888/695-7533 accommodations in newly built vacation bakeraccomodations.com Baker Accommodations offers cabins homes located in the heart of the Mt. and condos in the resort developments Baker Recreational Area. Perfect for hitting of Snowater, Snowline and Mt. Baker Rim, the slopes and relaxing. conveniently located just east of Glacier.
Mt. Baker Lodging 7463 Mt. Baker Highway Maple Falls 360/599-2453 or 800/709-7669 mtbakerlodging.com Mt. Baker Lodging offers cabins, condos, chalets and executive rental home accommodations. A number of selected units are pet friendly. Walk-in reservations and one-night stays available.
Blue T Lodge 10459 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier 360/599-9944 bluetlodge.com Conveniently located behind Chair 9 Woodstone Pizza and Bar, this six-room inn is ideal for families or groups. Clean rooms have queen-sized beds, a full bathroom and views of Church Mountain as well as access to a meeting space.
Snowater Resort and Condominiums
10500 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier 360/599-2724 snowater.org Snowater is a 20-acre condominium community bordered by the Nooksack River. Featuring indoor heated pools, hot tubs, racketball courts, ping-pong, pool tables, Wi-Fi, barbeque areas, tennis courts, sports courts, a log cabin and walking trails.
2016
year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce
B y B i l ly B r o w n Thousands of visitors and residents in the Birch Bay and Blaine communities “joined the fun” in Birch Bay in 2016. The Birch Bay Chamber Visitor’s Center continues to be the busy hub of our community. “The purpose of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) is to promote, encourage and coordinate cooperation and civil exchange between all elements of the community, and to promote, enhance and advocate for the civic, commercial, economic, recreational and general welfare interests of the Birch Bay area.”
2016
year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
2016 was the Blaine Chamber’s 125th year! Hooray! We ended this year with 88 members, including 12 new members. Our “Business of the Year” was Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Our featured “Members of the Month” for 2016 were: Mara Isabel Spa, NW Cascades, Vwich Farmers Insurance Agency, Semiahmoo Marina, The UPS Store, Fabian Saul Realtor, Day to Day Dance, AMS Print & Mail, Let’s Move Blaine, North Bay Christ The King Church, Washi Arts and Pogozone Internet. Our board members this year were: Bob Boule (Smugglers Inn), Laura Hedges (Blaine Healing
year in
REVIEW
at the extraordinary Kick-off Concert on opening night. Thanks to the Bellingham Festival of Music and the Ellerhein Estonian Choir, we were able to offer Blaine both the award winning Calidore String Quartet and the world famous Ellerhein Choir all in one evening! It was like having Carnegie Hall right here in Blaine. The enjoyment continued all week, with three performances by our world class music faculty, student performances on both Friday evening and Saturday af-
Highlights for the students: This year was the time to discover their talents, challenge themselves and inspire everyone with the joy of their success. As one board member noted, “The enthusiasm of the campers, and their respect for one another and their craft was more evident this year than ever before…” Highlights for the audiences: Audience members were amazed
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
The chamber also partners in almost all the other local events such as Wings Over Water Birding Festival, International Art & Music Festival, Springfest Art Tour, Drayton Harbor Music Festival, Splash Days, Chalk Art Festival and Oktoberfest. We sponsored a business workshop for Blaine merchants on signage and other downtown issues, a business seminar on digital marketing and also participated with the city of Blaine in a Google training program and the Whatcom Business Alliance Business Expo. We are looking forward to great things for our business community in 2017 and will continue to support and encourage our economic future.
Host of the Drayton Harbor Music Festival
By Kitty King
year in
Arts), Kimberli Shea (Umpqua Bank), Carroll Solomon (Blaine Visitor Center), Kimberly Akre (Pacific Building Center), Louise Mugar (The Northern Light), Ray Maxon (CHS NW – Ace), Heidi Holmes (Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2) and Brenda Berkan (Semiahmoo Resort). The chamber proudly sponsors some of Blaine’s largest festivals including the Old Fashioned Fourth of July, Art 2 Jazz Street Fair, Drayton Harbor Days & Tall Ships, Scarecrow Exhibit and Holiday Harbor Lights Tree Lighting. Bite of Blaine Food Fest is our annual fundraiser and annual general meeting, which raised more than $13,000 for our July 4 fireworks show.
Pacific Arts Association
A LOOK BACK
2016
Competition and the second annual Rollback Weekend featuring classic cars were attended by thousands. Discover Birch Bay Days in August was especially fun with wood carvers creating masterpieces from cedar in the new Beach Park. An auction was held on Sunday and many went home with new art for their yards. BBCC events would not be possible without the cooperation of a wonderful team of sponsors, volunteers, businesses and the chamber board. 2017 looks like an exciting year in Birch Bay with the groundbreaking of the Pedestrian Promenade and Shoreline Restoration Project.
Blaine Chamber of Commerce
By Carroll Solomon
2016
A total 9,700 visitors registered at the visitor’s center and over 162,000 tourism contacts were made. The BBCC sponsored seven events in 2016. Five of the annual events were held in the new beach park on the shoreline in Birch Bay. A new event last June was an attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records with the longest parade of Subarus. The record held by Russia was 549 Subarus. We fell short by 28 cars but now hold the record in the United States! The event was fun for all… you can watch the parade on Birch Bay Drive on YouTube. The Birch Bay Sand Sculpture
ternoon and our Big Band Benefit that rocked the roof at the new Blaine Pavilion. Looking forward to 2017, our 16th year of inspiring young artists and bringing world class music to Blaine, we plan to continue our excellent music programs and expand two of our more popular items: songwriting and jazz choir. We are proud of our efforts to put Blaine on the map by bringing music to our shores. Thank you, Blaine, for your support!
Whatcom County Council
17
WINTER 20
RES ADVENTU
WEST
IN TH
NORTH E PACIFIC
www.MountBakerExperience.com
By Barbara Brenner I never forget how lucky I am, especially at this time of year, to be able to work for you. Although the county voters have spoken in their support of district-only voting which means those of you in the Blaine and Point Roberts areas can no longer vote for me (or my opponent), I still believe I work
for everyone. That will never change. I hope you will still think of me as your representative and contact me with your issues. However, during this holiday season I am changing my focus a little. Instead of regular county issues, I will concentrate more on friends I have made during the years. I wish you the ability to do the same. Friends are the best re-
ward we can receive. No matter what happens in our lives, friends are always in our hearts. And this is the perfect season to remember them. I wish you all the time to appreciate the friends you have and make new ones. This year we can roll up our sleeves and get back to the business of county government.
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com
Classifieds
MARKETPLACE
DELIVERED TO EVER Y HOME IN THE 98230 ZIP CODE. Plus Newstands in:
BELLINGHAM • FERNDA LE • BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMO CUSTER O • BLAINE
Call or Email Amy! 360/332-1777 • fax: 360/332-2777 info@thenorthernlight.com Cleaning
Peer to Peer Grief Support Tuesdays 6:30 pm Sunrise Baptist Church High School room 2480 W. Badger Rd., Custer 360-350-8089
Computer
Auto
CHECK OUT OUR HUGE SELECTION of NEW
Chevy, Cadillac, Buick & GMC Models. PLUS our amazing selection of pre-owned vehicles!
3891 Northwest Avenue Bellingham • I-5 Exit 257
360-733-7997
www.BellinghamChevy.com
Business Services
US Customs Clearance Coordinator Customer Service / General Office / Data Entry Experience. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: • Distributing Freight Clearances • Checking Documents for the required clearance information • Interacting with clients in a professional manner via phone and email • Interacting with U.S. Customs Border Protection Services along with all Partnered Government Agencies in a professional manner via Phone and email • Daily follow up on entry discrepancy issues • Data entry • Answering phone calls • Scanning • Sorting, and assembly of forms
NOW LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED!
We have over 300 Trucks, SUV’s, & Cars Ready To Test Drive & Buy Today!
Carsons Customs Brokers Employment Opportunity for
Construction BREIVIK Construction • Septic Inspections, Installations & Repair • Demo, Hauling & Roads • Glendon Installations & Inspections
Required Qualifications • One year of Customer Service • General office, or data entry experience • High School Diploma or equivalent certificate • Proficiency in Microsoft Office • Accurate and rapid data entry • Strong attention to detail • Ability to multi-task • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Please email resumes & cover letter to: JWillett@carson.ca or mail to: Carson Custom Brokers Attn: Human Resources 925 Boblett St. Blaine, WA 98230
BAY CENTER Market hiring PT/FT morning and/or afternoon shift. Multitasking, stocker, deli and customer-oriented experience a plus. 21+ required, available on weekends. Pick up application at 8050 Harborview Road, Birch Bay. PT-FT MECHANIC needed in Blaine. Must have at least one ASE certification. Please phone or text Dan at 360-410-1284. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 16 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360441-0908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com.
TEMPORARY EXTRA HELP Whatcom County Parks & Recreation is seeking one Temporary Assistant to work at the Point Roberts Senior Center. Apply online at www.whatcomcounty.us/ 1675/Current-Job-Openings Equal Opportunity Employer.
Locally owned & operated since 1977 www.breivikconstruction.com
360-332-3333 LIC #BREIVC*992DO
LOCAL TAXI
Duty Free Americas, Inc. is a travel retailer offering our customer (traveling into Canada) top shelf liquors, international brand fragrances and quality gift items at Duty Free and/or significant price savings.
Bellingham Airport, Canada, SeaTac
332-1960
Innovative & Creative
Websites Print Advertising Logo Design Branding Creative, Effective, Visual Communications
COMPLETE REMODELS
Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions
(360) 305-2592
completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net COMPLR*006PP
DESIGN BUILDERS,
• Remodels Additions Remodels && Additions Bathrooms & Kitchens • Decks & Porches Decks & Porches • Wood & Tile Flooring Small Jobs Welcome
TM
RuthLauman.com ruthlauman@yahoo.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.
Child Care
Licensed Serving General Birch BayContractor & Blaine serving Birch Bay & Blaine
360-201-3464 360-201-3464 www.WhatcomHomeBuilder.com
Now Enrolling No minimum requirement of hours
Call today! 360-332-7135
NEXT ISSUE: Jan. 19 ADS DUE: Jan. 17 Landscaping IS YOUR PROPERTY READY FOR WINTER?
Carsons Customs Brokers Employment Opportunity for
PT Receptionist Available for our Blaine Customs Release Office. Receptionist will be responsible for clerical support in our day to day operations. The ideal candidate will be expected to do the following: • Welcome visitors by greeting them, in person or on the telephone; answering or referring expected inquiries. • Maintains security by following procedures; monitoring logbook; issuing visitor badges. • Receiving and sorting daily mail/deliveries/couriers • Ordering office and warehouse supplies • Maintains safe and clean reception area by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, and any additional duties set forth by management • Computer proficiency, excellent verbal and written skills are necessary for this position. Required Qualifications • Proven working experience in a front office handling receptionist responsibilities • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite • Excellent customer service is required for this position as this role entails direct Customer/Vendor contact at any given time. • Solid communication skills both written and verbal • Ability to be resourceful and proactive in dealing with issues that may arise • Ability to organize, multitask, prioritize and work under pressure Education and Training Applicant must be a High School graduate or GED and have at least one year of office experience.
We are already working in your neighborhood! Schedule a fall clean up and get ready for winter!
CALL NOW!
360.410.8188 Lic# CLEANCL878LL cleancutlandscapedesign@gmail.com
Kendall’s Tree Service ,LLC Greg Kendall, Owner-Operator
Tree Trimming & Removal Chipping & Hauling, Tree Sales Stump Grinding - Bucket Trucks 3040 BIRCH BAYLYNDEN RD.
360-366-5340
Lawn Care • Ground Maintenance • Pruning Hedge & Trimming • Gutter Cleaning Landscape Installations • Retaining Walls Fruit Trees • Fall & Winter Yard Cleanup LICENSED BONDED INSURED #LOSPIPL843CP
Lawn care & Landscaping LLC COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
www.lospinoslawncare.com
(360) 927-5658
Heating/Air
CLEAN AIR COMFORT SYSTEMS Will you be warm this winter?
Please email resumes & cover letter to: JWillett@carson.ca or mail to: Carson Custom Brokers Attn: Human Resources 925 Boblett St. Blaine, WA 98230
Have you had your furnace serviced since last winter? Call now for a full service, cleaning and safety inspection on your heating equipment!
Handyman
Plumbing
360-398-9400 cleanaircomfortsystems.com Lic#CLEANAC85IMG
At our Blaine Location, we are in need of the following:
Sales Associates (Including Overnights) Apply in Person: 20 -12th Street, Blaine, WA, 98231 OR E-Mail us at DFAJobs@DutyFreeAmericas.com Join the Team today! • EOE M/F/D/V
THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Waterfront professional office space for lease
Call UsCallFor Estimate Us ForAA Free Free Estimate LicLic##DESIGBL934JL DESIGBL934JL
HOTLINE ELECTRIC Service/Construction Residential - Commercial Industrial Licensed • Bonded • Insured HOTLIE*914J7
360-393-8246
Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC N
MORE Smiles Learning Center OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 6pm
LLC
wo
25¢ for rds e addition ach al word
Help Wanted
CLEANING SPECIAL - 4 hours for $100. Professional cleaning, we do it all. 360-527-0555. www.marthascleaning.com. WALKABOUT WINDOW WASHING. Residential and commercial. Bonded, insured, experienced. 360-384-8888.
$16
for 15
Lic#KENDATS872JW
Announcements
Mark St. Germaine 28 Years Experience Licensed & bonded C
W
360-746-4902
icnwllc@comcast.net I
3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small Free Estimates
New Construction • Remodeling • Roofing • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting
11
on Blaine Harbor in a beautiful Cannery-style building with scenic views of marina, Mt. Baker, Marine Park and White Rock. Located 1 minute from Peace Arch border crossing. Fiber optic internet. Space available 750-1500 sf.
for more information call 360/332-1777
12
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Real Estate
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100
8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO OPEN DAILY NOON TO 4:40 PM
Semiahmoo Shores • $1,175,000
Architecture merges natural qualities of “Great Northwest”. high-end appl. Covered patio. Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Right.
S E MIA H MO O O P EN HOUSES OPEN SAT & SUN NOON-3
8687 Great Horned Owl Ln. • $749,000
9150 Aerie Ln #5 • $939,000
Integrates outdoors interior space, showcase 1 story home. Master gardener landscaping, winding sidewalks, custom front doors. Cherry, natural stone, built-ins. 1000+ sf garage.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
FERNDALE OPEN HOUSES OPEN SATURDAY 11-1 OPEN SAT 11-1 & SUN 2-4
OPEN SUNDAY 11-1
4778 Beach Ln. • $319,000
Filtered views of Strait of Georgia. Master suite & 2 guestrooms. Engineered flooring. Current finishes.Kitchen has soft-close white cabinets & drawers. One level with unfinished (insulated!) basement, plumbed for 3rd bath.
I-5 access in country setting. New 2016 mfgd by Titan Homes, part of Champion Homes Brand. 15’2” x 68’0”, over 1,031 sf, 3-BR, 2-BA. New Whirlpool appliances. Kitchen w/ sep dining area. Grassy yard & covered porch.
Julie Brown 360-255-3727
Katia LeVain 360-220-7958
Julie Brown 360-255-3727
OPEN SATURDAY 10-1
CUSTER OPEN HOUSE OPEN SUNDAY 11-1:30
BIRCH BAY OPEN HOUSES OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
OPEN SUNDAY 12-3
8754 Charel Dr. • $499,000
5457 Beach Rock Loop Dr. • $409,000
2350 Douglas Rd #28 • $99,999
Waterfront Semiahmoo Aerie townhome. Window walls, vistas of Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Bay, Blaine, White Rock, Mt. Baker. Spacious deck. 3-BRs+flex space. 3 different levels, all w/ waterviews, ea w/bd/bth.
8648 Ashbury Ct. • $659,000
5586 Hillvue Rd. • $170,000
7882 Ham Rd. • $539,000
West-facing waterview home overlooking the San Juans & Semiahmoo Bay. Single story on a double lot. 3-BR/den home features open kitchen, great room, wrap-around deck. separate storage/mechanical room.
Brand new construction! Single story rambler. 3-BR, 3-BA. Great room w/gas fireplace. Library/den/office. Granite & high-end cabinets. Top quality ss appliances. Walk-in pantry. Fenced backyard.
3 suites! Loomis’ best location: fairway, lake, clubhouse & Mt. Baker views. Next to dedicated open space. Window walls, vaulted great rm & office. 10’ ceilings, 8’ doors. T&G floors. Alder cabs, solid granite. Dry stack fireplace.
Views of Birch Bay & Mt Baker. Perfect rental cottage, first time home or retirement. Priced to sell. Home needs minor TLC. Newer roof, carpets. Located on corner lot. 2 bedrooms. Built in carport insures ample room.
1-level w/bonus rm over garage, 2670 sf, 3-BR, 2.5-BA, office, 3-car gar, 2.36 acres. Elevated site, south exposure. Open plan w/ great rm. Bamboo, Hardi, ss, granite. tile. 1 of 5 homes on 50 acres. Close to 1-5, exit 270.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Katia LeVain 360-220-7958
Linda Kiens 360-815-6640
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
BE L L I NGHAM O P E N H O U S E OPEN SUNDAY 1-4
4731 Columbus Ave. • $579,000
FEATURED L ISTINGS
Congratulations
to our Windermere 2016 Whatcom County Association of Realtors award nominees:
6191 Semiahmoo Ln. • $1,399,000
500 Fieldstone Loop • $295,000
Geneva neighborhood, partial view of lake. 10 min from Bellingham. Open floor plan, 3.5 bath, 3200 sq. ft. master on main floor, jetted tub, separate shower & walk in closet. 3 bedrooms upstairs, 1.75 bathrooms , down stairs walk out basement with game room, wine cellar.
Stunning Semiahmoo waterfront property w/ panoramic westerly salt water sunset views. Long driveway to setting on the bluff of Semiahmoo. Property features access to private beach & tide lands, ancient evergreens, 4,100 sf of living space with full mother-in-law suite.
Beautifully maintained Lynden home across from clubhouse on Fieldstone. Covered front porch with view of golf course, 3-BR, 2.5-BA, gas fireplace, hardwood floors. Air conditioned, central vacuum. Siding & windows replaced in 2010. Most appliances replaced recently. 2-car garage.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.
Hugh Sells Homes & Wants to SELL yours!
Commercial
COMMERCIAL
360.371.5800 Call Hugh
BIRCH BAY VILLAGE
LAKEFRONT LOT Chehalis Rd. #40 • 30’ Lake front
$105,000
Mt. Baker views!
Water & Sewer Available Electric, Gas, Hi-speed Internet Possible Land/Home Package!
SEMIAHMOO MARINA 44’ BOAT SLIP $29,500
270 C St. • Blaine
$495,000 6000 sq.ft. building along with a 3000 sq. ft. whse for sale Close to I-5 and US/ Canadian Customs-many possible uses.
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION
9540 Semiahmoo D-7 • Possible Owner Financing
NEW LISTINGS! SCREAMIN’ DEAL! Semiahmoo Marina Boat Slips • 36’ - 50”
$12,500 - $45,000
Winners announced January 13th at the Silver Reef Casino.
www.windermere.com
Let 27 years of experience work for you! www.CallHugh.com
• Damian Pro, Realtor of the Year nominee • Cerise Noah, Realtor of the Year nominee • Mary Kay Robinson, Realtor of the Year nominee • Becki Taylor, Community Service nominee • Kathy Stauffer, Community Service nominee
Sam Freeman 360-201-2428 360-332-6400
Want to find a new home?
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 - Residential
Connect Your Business with our Growing Communities! The Northern Light is the only newspaper delivered by U.S. Mail to all homes!
23,100 people
BLAINE
2-BR, 1-BA Duplex $650/mo. includes water/sewer. 3-BR, 2.5-BA home 1600 s.f., 1-car gar, den/ wet bar, storage, newly remodeled $1295/mo. 1-BR APT $595/mo. W/S/G included. BIRCH BAY
3-BR, 2-BA 1500 s.f. home w/sandstone shower, jetted tub, 2-car extra deep gar, W/D, DW $1250/mo. 2-BR, 2-BA Townhouse w/view $850/mo. N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,
360-332-3166 Rentals - Rooms
FURNISHED ROOM near downtown includes amenities. NS, pet friendly, from $500/mo. +deposit. 360-332-3449.
read The Northern Light Newspaper each week!
British Columbia, Canada
BLAINE LYNDEN SEMIAHMOO BIRCH BAY CUSTER FERNDALE
Our most popular special sections...
BELLINGHAM
Health&Wellness First week of every month
Active Seniors Second week of every month
Pet Care Third week of every month
HOME&GARDEN Last week of every month
You’ve come to the right place!
To advertise call 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com
2016 year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District
B y D a n E i ss e s In 2016, the district continued to work to secure future water supply and began the North County Interbasin project funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology and partnering with the city of Blaine. The project includes drilling three exploratory wells in the deep water aquifer east of the city of Blaine. A secure future water supply continues to be a part of the district’s mission. The district prioritizes public involvement and has increased transparency in governance by implementing software (BoardDocs) that publicly maintains board meeting agendas and minutes online for citizen access. The district began a commissioner biography series in its newsletters to showcase each of the three elected commissioners’ background experience and district project interests. The district is nearing completion of two major capital improvement projects. First, the aging waterline on Blaine Road was replaced
2016
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
B y K r a i g O l a so n This past year the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) has been busy with several projects, including a collaborative capital improvement project completed on Birch Point with Whatcom County Public Works, completing the final Subwatershed Master Plan for Birch Bay, designing a new project for Cottonwood Drive, beginning a design process for a major drainage project for 2018 and continuing a water quality monitoring program on Birch Bay and Terrell Creek. The third Subwatershed Master Plan was drafted to cover the Birch Point, Terrell Creek Urban Growth Area (UGA) and Point
REVIEW
A LOOK BACK
B y K at e K i m b e r Erika Douglas
including installation of new fire hydrants. Second, the wastewater treatment system aeration basins received an upgrade that included fine bubble diffusers to reduce electrical costs and increase the capacity of the plant to handle future wastewater needs for citizens. Both of these major capital improvements were finished with much of the work being done by very skilled district staff members. The district prioritizes employee and citizen safety. District staff participated in the nationally endorsed emergency response drill Cascadia Rising and partnered with countless cities, counties, state agencies, federal officials, the military, tribal nations, non-government organizations and the private sector to further our preparation for a potential earthquake or other emergency. The district continued collaboration with the Community Assistance Program of Blaine to offer assistance to low income customers. In 2016, many customers were able to keep their water service with this assistance program.
The district won its seventh consecutive (14th total) Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award for the year 2015 by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Birch Bay is one of only two wastewater plants in Whatcom County serving 4,000 people or more that have won the award 14 or more times in the last 19 years. The district continued active membership in the Whatcom Water Alliance, a regional water conservation group seeking to promote water conservation among local government water purveyors by coordinating public information efforts and related activities. For 2016, the alliance supported a voluntary odd-even watering schedule to reduce summer outdoor water usage and support rain barrels as a conservation activity. In 2018, the district will focus on efficiently meeting customer billing and payment option requests. The district is looking to begin a GIS project to survey the service area which will create ef-
Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Management District
year in
2016 year in
13
Whitehorn subwatersheds. A public meeting in February attracted 29 attendees who submitted their input on the stormwater problems in these areas. The draft plan was reviewed by the public at the November BBWARM meeting. The final plan will be available early in 2017. Drainage problems along Harborview Road were identified in the Birch Bay Central North and Central South Subwatershed Master Plans due to undersized stormwater infrastructure. A public meeting was held in November to introduce the project to the community. Field survey work has been completed and a preferred concept design will be completed in early 2017.
Final project design should be completed by summer of 2017 with construction beginning in 2018. A new water quality monitoring results webpage with links to online maps and water quality status reports was launched. Maps, water quality status reports, and the most current fecal coliform bacteria data for Birch Bay and other focus areas throughout Whatcom County can be found at co.whatcom.wa.us/2170/Water-Quality-Monitoring-Results. Next year is shaping up to be a busy year with many project and activities planned. Be sure to check out the BBWARM website for more details and information regarding all of the BBWARM District projects at bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY Please visit us at
BlaineHarborDental.com 360-332-2400 WHATCOM COUNTY 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
The Whatcom County Council formed the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District in 1995 in response to Washington State Department of Health’s closure of shellfish areas due to poor water quality. The purpose of a shellfish protection district is to develop and implement a strategy to address sources of pollution and restore the area for shellfish harvesting. Potential sources of fecal coliform bacteria include: Animal waste from livestock, domestic pets and wildlife; and human sewage from failing septic systems, leaking sewer lines or cross-connections between sewer and stormwater systems. 2016 proved to be a success-
ful year for the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District. The most notable success happened on December 1, when harvest restrictions were removed on 810 acres of shellfish growing area after 20 years of work by the community. Some of the work completed by the protection district in 2016 included: Water quality monitoring throughout the watershed and extensive monitoring in three focus areas to assist with source tracking and water quality improvements. Provided information to watershed residents about fecal coliform bacteria sources and ways to fix problems. Improvements in fecal coliform bacteria levels observed. Joint work by Whatcom County Public Works and the Whatcom Conservation District in focus ar-
eas to contact landowners offering technical and financial assistance for small farm practices. Identified and fixed failing septic systems. Improved water quality data sharing through interactive maps and water quality summaries posted on the web (whatcomcounty. us/2170/Water-Quality-Monitoring-Results). Goals for the protection district in 2017 include improving data sharing between agencies and community members through a new data coordinator position, continued water quality monitoring throughout the watershed, and continued education and outreach. Sustained community engagement in pollution prevention actions is needed to ensure clean water to keep the shellfish beds open and local waterways safe.
Fill your bottles - Easy RV access
2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine
• Certified Health Department O&M Inspections
• Multiple House Discounts Owned & Operated by Blaine Resident Certified Septic Contractors
• Local Full Service Septic Company
ALL OF WHATCOM COUNTY • (360) 671-1307
septicplus@comcast.net
This space can be yours for only $37 per week. 13 week commitment. Call 332-1777 to reserve.
Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District and
clarifiers. We plan to continue investing in a water project to install automated meter reading equipment.
ficiencies during operations and maintenance. The district will also be sandblasting and recoating the wastewater treatment plant
Dining Guide Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 332-4045
Sunday-Tuesday 7am-3pm Wednesday-Saturday 7am-8pm
332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine
Breakfast Lunch Dinner 360-778-3826
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay
Great weekly SPECIALS! Farm Store & Country Café Open 8 - 5 Wed - Sun 6140 Guide Meridian
360-318-7720
BellewoodFarms.com
14
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
Coming up
A view from above
Seussical The Musical Jr.: January 12 and 13, 7 p.m., January 14, 2 p.m., Blaine PAC. The wacky world of Dr. Seuss with fun and with beautifully poignant music and story. Cheer Horton and all the memorable characters as they sing and dance your way into your heart! Tickets, $5, available at the door. Info: Shari Akers, 332-1300. Fun with LEGO Robotics: Thursday, January 12, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to program motion and color sensors and see what happens! For ages 10 and up. Bimonthly. Info: 305-3637. Mason Bees - Alternative Pollinators: Saturday, January 14, 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 Blaine Community Orchards for Resources and Education. Info: Kelle Sunter, 332-7435. Yo-Yo Fun: Saturday, January 14, 1–2:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn yo-yo tricks like Gravity Pull and Rock the Baby with Tucker Jensen. Yo-yos available. Saturdays through January and February. For all ages. Info: 305-3637. English Conversation Class: Saturday, January 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. All levels, beginners are welcome! No sign-up needed. Free! Info: 305-3637. Toddler Storytime: Tuesday, January 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Stories, songs and other amusements for very young children. Preschoolers are welcome, but content is aimed at 1–3 year-olds. Info: 305-3637. Teen Tuesdays - Crafts and Arts: Tuesday, January 17, 3–4:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Join your friends and try a new craft project each month. All materials are supplied – just bring your imagination. Grades 6–12. Info: 305-3637. Learn to Play Chess: Tuesday, January 17, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Chess has been proven to enhance creativity, problem solving, memory, concentration, intellectual maturity, self-esteem and more. And it’s fun! Weekly. For ages K–12. Info: 305-3637. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Thursday, January 19, noon, CJ’s Beach House Restaurant, 7878 Birch Bay Drive. Lunch $15. RSVP: info@birchbaychamber.com. Books and Bites: Friday, January 20, 1–2:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Bring a lunch if you’d like and join the lively conversation at this book discussion opportunity. Discussing the 2017 Whatcom READS selection. The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison. Pick up your copy at the library today. Info: 305-3637.
s An eagle gazes at the landscape from above.
Crossword
ACROSS 1. The “A” of ABM 5. Hillsides 10. First-rate 14. Oil source 15. American symbol 16. “O” in old radio lingo 17. Exactly (3 wds) 18. Calcium carbonate deposited by water 20. Basket material 22. Anger 23. Daisylike bloom 24. Run away 26. Blue 28. Cliffside dwelling 30. Apt 35. Reddish brown color 38. Unit of US currency 39. Carrot, e.g. 40. “All kidding ___...” 42. Halo, e.g. 43. Back 45. Supreme legislative body
47. Gob 48. ___ pole 49. Fly catcher 51. Vomits 55. Clear, as a disk 59. Dusk, to Donne 61. Drudge 62. Old, noisy car 65. “Don’t bet ___!” (2 wds) 66. ___ gin fizz 67. A saying attributed to Jesus 68. ___-Cola 69. Fill-in 70. Mound 71. Sky box?
41. 44. 46. 50. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 60. 63. 64.
7. Biology lab supply 8. Little people 9. “Comprende?” 10. Little ones 11. Final notice 12. Corn ___ 13. Merlin, e.g. 19. AM/FM device 21. Need a bath badly 25. Handle 27. Italian for “to the tooth” 29. Decree 31. Device that wakes you up 32. Bummed out 33. 1968 Chemistry Nobelist Onsager 34. “-zoic” things 35. Bikini parts 36. Gift on “The Bachelor” 37. Bit Large headed nail Part of a spur Catches on Chance Asian capital Boot Bristles At one time, at one time Rattling sound made while breathing Bit Increase, with “up” “Cogito ___ sum” ___ Grove Village, Ill. Amigo
DOWN 1. Cast member 2. Choker 3. Blue eyes or baldness, e.g. 4. Acted/spoke with others 5. “Wanna ___?” 6. Uncommon items
FIND CROSSWORD ANSWERS AT THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Photo by Ruth Lauman
Tides
Winter Benefit Concert: Saturday, January 21, 7:30 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, Chris Cochran, Sabrina Gomez, Jon Mutchler, Blaine High School Chamber Choir. All proceeds benefit Drayton Harbor Music Festival. Info: draytonharbormusic.org.
January 13–January 19 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Painting at the Library: Monday, January 23, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Bring your own work, equipment and supplies including a table cover. All mediums welcome, but no solvents of any kind please. Info: 305-3637.
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 13 6:52 am 10.7 12:15 pm 6.3
4:53 pm 9.1
Sa 14 12:08 am -2.0 7:34 am 10.7
1:09 pm 5.9 5:47 pm 8.6
Su 15 12:50 am -1.2 8:12 am 10.6
2:03 pm 5.4 6:41 pm 7.9
Mo 16 1:30 am -0.2 8:50 am 10.3
2:57 pm 4.9 7:37 pm 7.2
Tu 17 2:10 am 1.0 9:26 am 10.0
3:53 pm 4.3 8:43 pm 6.6
We 18 2:50 am 2.2 9:58 am 9.7
4:49 pm 3.8 10:01 pm 6.1
Th 19 3:32 am 3.4 10:32 am 9.4
Blaine Senior Center Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m.–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Pancakes, waffles or biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Adults $6, children (under six) $4.
5:45 pm 3.1 11:37 pm 6.0
Weather Precipitation: During the period of January 3 to January 9, .51 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2017 year-to-date precipitation is .81 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 45.1°F on January 9 with a low of 23°F on January 5. Average high was 39.3°F and average low was 27.7°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Step over the Stile: a British Travelogue: Monday, January 23, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Enjoy tales and photos of the Jeff and Margot Worthy family’s five-week adventure through British history, literature and daily life. Info: 305-3637. Blaine Business Workshop: Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Pizza Factory, 738 Peace Portal Drive. An open meeting to discuss issues facing Blaine merchants and businesses. If unable to attend, send your comments and suggestions. Everyone is welcome. Info: 332-6484. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Wednesday, February 1, noon, Pizza Factory, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Speaker: Steve Price, developer for Grandis Pond development. Arts and Jazz: Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m., Blaine PAC and Blaine schools cafeteria. Live and silent auctions with performances by the Blaine High School wind ensemble and displays by the art and drama students. Admission $5. Info: Christy Imperio, 210-4100 or Dorita Gray, 380-1634.
Ongoing Birch Bay Activity Center Events: 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Pound Fit, pickleball, yoga, Country Heat and Total Barre Basics. Days and times: bbbparkandrec.com. Zumba, Line Dance, Counry Heat and Yoga Classes: Blaine Pavilion, 763 G Street, Blaine. Sponsored by BBBPRD2. Info: bbbparkandrec.com. 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. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesday, 1–2 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt, 456 C Street, Blaine. Open to all. Info: 332-8248. Pound Fit: Monday and Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Childcare provided. $5 fee. Peer to Peer Grief Support: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Sunrise Baptist Church High School room, 2480 W. Badger Road, Custer. Info: 360/350-8089. Birch Bay Toastmasters Club: Tuesday 6:30–7:45 p.m., Windermere building, second floor, Birch Bay Square, 8105 Birch Bay Square Street. Learn leadership and communication skills. Info: Paul, 303-4444. Dart League: Tuesday, The Beach at Birch Bay, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Every game at home – no traveling. Info: 922-0816. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
January 12 - 18, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com
2016 year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
Best of Blaine Police Reports, Part 2
July 1, 9:45 p.m.: Police were called by a motorist reporting she had been assaulted at a gas station on H Street during a disagreement about poor driving habits on the freeway approaching Blaine. The reporting party advised that the suspect had been driving 90+ mph on the freeway, swerving in front of other cars and erratically braking before taking the truck route off-ramp and stopping at the gas station. The reporting party also stopped at the gas station, and told the suspect lady to “slow down and learn to drive.” The suspect responded with some advice of her own and then started beating on the reporting party with a pink purse. The reporting party left the scene and called police. Officers arrived within minutes but the suspect was no longer in the area and no identifying vehicle information was available. July 21, 2:33 a.m.: An amazed, anonymous caller reported seeing a naked man walking near 3rd and Cedar Streets. The arriving officers contacted the pedestrian, who was indeed bare from the waist down, carrying a daypack, a cell phone and his private parts. He appeared to be alone but investigation revealed he had three associates; a trio of Pokémon Go characters he had just captured on his phone in the space between the two motels and the restaurant he was standing beside. He denied that his lack of clothing served any purpose save maximizing the agility needed for a satisfying hunt, but agreed to immediately don pants from his daypack rather than have his game interrupted by incarceration. July 29, 1:31 a.m.: Police were dispatched to a report of someone yelling in a residential neighborhood on Bayview Avenue. They arrived to find an intoxicated man sitting on a home’s porch steps. Blood covered the man’s face, his clothing, a nearby door and a win-
dow. It took a minute to confirm the gore was his own and no one else had been injured. The inebriate was his own suspect: he and his girlfriend confirmed that after a verbal dispute he had downed a fifth of tequila before punching the ground and splitting open his knuckles to celebrate the accomplishment. The gentleman refused medical attention for his hand. He was offered and accepted a ride out of the area to a friend’s house for the rest of the night and he was warned to not return to his girlfriend’s house for the night. August 4, 8:30 p.m.: A woman called police when an unwanted, unknown intoxicated man stumbled from out of the woods behind her home on Garfield Avenue and into her 2-year-old’s birthday party. The caller’s husband escorted the man from their property and the arriving officers were not able to locate him in the woods or surrounding area. The family will call if he returns for dessert. August 7, 11 p.m.: While on routine patrol in a neighborhood late at night an angry man began shouting at the officers and approached their vehicle. The man made quite a scene in the neighborhood by yelling profanities at the officers. The man was repeatedly instructed to step back from the vehicle. In an effort to diffuse the situation, the officers then attempted to drive away, but the intoxicated man slammed the top of the patrol vehicle. After the officers exited the vehicle, the agitated man intentionally spat on one of them in the face. He was ultimately provided a ride in the vehicle he had attempted to damage and was booked into Whatcom County Jail. August 8, 10:20 a.m.: Officer was contacted by a citizen who wanted to report some bizarre behavior around her apartment complex. Someone has apparently been taping various small amounts
of money/coins to door handles, screen doors and a newspaper on one of the doorsteps. There is currently no known person of interest in the unusual gifting. August 12, 10:50 p.m.: An officer on patrol downtown observed the passenger door of a company truck standing open in a business parking lot after hours, and spotlit the vehicle. The four startled vehicle prowlers inside flowed in different directions for cover when the light came on. They escaped the scene, leaving behind most of the storage box of cat chow which they had been feasting on in the front seat. It appears the food was being left for feral felines rather than the raccoon family that found it. August 15, 2:08 p.m.: While on routine patrol an officer was flagged down and told there were some people at the public boat launch having trouble getting their boat out of the water. Officers contacted the men who said they were attempting to leave the harbor but had forgotten to put the plug in the boat. When the deck transformed into a lake they realized their error, but by then the boat was too heavy to pull back onto the trailer. With the help of the Blaine Harbormaster’s Office, officers were able to contact some boat owners who assisted with pumping the water from the bilge, saving the men from having to check with their insurance company to see if they were covered for self-sinkage. September 24, 3:02 p.m.: Blaine police responded to the 1700 block of H Street after someone reported seeing what they believed was a dead body in a van. The van drove off before officers arrived, but officers were able to locate the vehicle. An officer contacted the driver, who allowed him to look into the van. What the officer found was a gourd underneath some aprons. The crafty
female driver stated she bought the gourd at the farmer’s market and the aprons were handmade by her. Whatever plan she had for the gourd, it probably hadn’t involved staging a crime scene. The officer and the woman parted ways after a good chuckle. September 30, 11:39 a.m.: Officers monitoring NWFRS radio, responded to a two-vehicle, injury motor vehicle collision at 4th and Clark Streets. Officers arrived to see a vehicle balancing on its side. The driver was still inside the vehicle, conscious and alert, but with a visible head injury. The occupants of the second vehicle, which was parked when hit, had no obvious signs of injuries. NWFRS arrived and extricated the driver, who was transported to the hospital by personal vehicle. The accident could have been avoided, and the driver was issued a citation. Both vehicles were removed from the roadway by a tow truck. October 22, 9:23 a.m.: Blaine police were dispatched to a residence where two roommates were arguing. An officer arrived and spoke with all the parties involved. The male roommate reported that he woke up on this morning and could feel that his blood sugar levels were very low. In an effort to bring his blood sugar levels up, the man went to get a popsicle and discovered someone had eaten a few of them without asking for permission. The man then started to yell and speak very animatedly towards other people in the house. There were no reports of him becoming physical or making direct threats to anyone. Police calmed the man down, and all parties came to an agreement to separate for a good part of the day and remain as civil as possible. November 15, 6:06 p.m.: A woman who lives very near the border reported a man had attempted to lure her daughter to
cross out of her backyard over to his vehicle, parked on Zero Avenue in Canada. The girl made smart choices about her safety and instead went straight inside and called her mother. RCMP and Border Patrol agents were all notified of the incident. The van, which to Blaine PD’s knowledge has not been seen in the United States, was described as a white delivery van with a pink ribbon and the writing “Canadian Breast Cancer Awareness” on it. December 2, 11:40 a.m.: Several people called to report a vehicle occupied by four young adults in a business parking lot. All of the individuals appeared to be passed out as they were slumped over, heads hanging forward. Officers arrived and were able to rouse the occupants with some effort. When asked about any drugs in the vehicle, they admitted to having already consumed their heroin. A search of the vehicle was authorized by the driver, and officers located the paraphernalia the occupants said would be there. Two of the occupants stated they were sick and asked for help with their addiction. They are being connected with the appropriate community services. December 10, 6:44 a.m.: Police responded to a suspicious circumstances complaint at a residence when the homeowner discovered unfamiliar footprints in the snow around their property. The resident reported that it did not look like the prowler had gained entry to buildings or taken anything. The arriving officer examined the site and determined a battle had apparently taken place. The patterns of footprints and spent munitions told a story of energetic youngsters using the back yard to execute a flanking maneuver in a sneak snowball attack on opposing forces. Both sides had removed their wounded and no prisoners were available for interrogation.
Planning a wedding? Find venues, vendors and inspiration with Pacific Coast Weddings magazine. Visit us at these bridal shows and online at pacificcoastweddings.us
Northwest Bridal Showcase January 7 & 8 Tulalip Resort and Spa, Tulalip nwbridalshowcase.com
weddings
Pacific Coast
west the go-to guide for north
brides
Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo January 21 Four Points By Sheraton, Bellingham bridalinspirationsexpo.com
Lynnwood-Everett Wedding Expo January 21 & 22 Comcast Arena, Everett bridesclub.com/bridal-shows
Skagit Wedding Show February 19
Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Anacortes skagitweddingshow.com
Port Susan Wedding Show February 25 Camano Center portsusanweddingshow.com
Lynden Bridal Fair March 11
F THE NORTHERN LIGHT
Steakhouse9 Bistro, Lynden nicolesandovalpostma.com/lynden-bridal-fair
astweddings.us
15
Saturday, January 21, 2017
BRIDAL INSPIRATIONS WEDDING EXPO
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM WITH THE AREA’S LARGEST FASHION SHOW AT 4:00 PM JUSTIN ALEXANDER TRUNK SHOW FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST JAD BAGHDADI FROM THE NY DESIGNER FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS:
WWW.BRIDALINSPIRATIONSEXPO.COM TICKETS ARE $15 ONLINE AND $18 THE DAY OF THE SHOW FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON • 714 LAKEWAY DR • BELLINGHAM, WA 98225
16
The Northern Light • January 12 - 18, 2017
2016
year in
REVIEW A LOOK BACK
A Year in Photos, Part 2
s August 2016: A shiny Ford Fairlane glistens during Birch Bay’s Rollback Weekend. Photo by Chuck Kinzer
s July 2016: Paddlers from tribes around the region stop at Birch Bay State Park during a canoe journey to Olympia. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
s August 2016: A public works staff member looks out over the crowd during Blaine’s inaugural “Roadeo.” Photo by Stefanie Donahue
s July 2016: Birch Bay’s sand sculpture competition. Photo by Molly Ernst
s Oct. 2016: Kids in costumes took part in the Birch Bay Kids Karnival. Photo by Abby of Dynamite Images
s August 2016: The Birch Bay Music Festival brought a host of musical talent to Birch Bay. Photo by Wayne Diaz.
s July 2016: Artists took to H Street and Peace Portal Drive during the first Chalk It Up! event. Photo by Michael Jones
s November 2016: Blaine Elementary School collected 2,500 pounds of nonperishable food for the Blaine Food Bank. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
TOctober 2016: The Borderites landed a spot in the district playoffs after a 48–0 blowout against Sehome (0–8). The win secured the team a fourth spot in the district playoffs crossover game, which gave them the opportunity to qualify for the state tournament. Photo by Janell Kortlever
S August 2016: Drayton Harbor Days inspired several to don their best pirate gear. The two-day event rang in its ninth official year. Photo by Ruth Lauman
s August 2016: LEGO Club was a big hit at the Blaine Public Library last summer. Photo by Stefanie Donahue