December 21 - 27, 2023
FREE
Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Celebrating the New Year in Birch Bay, page 5
DOE fines Treoil Industries, page 6
Blaine restaurant holds soft opening, page 10
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
1,400 toys donated to Community Toy Store Blaine police, public works administration move to city hall By Nolan Baker
(See City hall, page 5)
s The Community Assistance Program (CAP) held its annual Community Toy Store at Valley Church’s Blaine campus December 7-9. North Whatcom County residents donated around 1,400 toys for people living on low incomes to purchase at a 75 percent discount, which then generated proceeds to benefit Loads of Love, VC Essentials and The Bridge Community Hope Center’s emergency fund. Photo by Laura Vogee
Horizon housing developer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Grandis Pond sells to local developer By Grace McCarthy The real estate development company in charge of Horizon at Semiahmoo and previously under contract to purchase Grandis Pond has filed for bankruptcy. Harbor Custom Development (HCD) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma to wind down or restructure business. “The Chapter 11 cases will provide the company with time and breathing room needed to market and sell its real estate assets and right-size operations for the benefit of the company’s creditors and stakeholders,” wrote Jeff Habersetzer, interim CEO of HCD, in a statement. HCD is a Tacoma-based real estate company involved in all levels of land development, from land acquisition to residential sales, in Washington, California, Texas and Florida. In summer 2021, the company pur-
chased Horizon at Semiahmoo after the vacant property lay idle for years. Construction broke ground at Horizon and, as of January 2023, was expected to bring over 540 units, between 140 single-family and 400 multi-family units, to its 149acre subdivision. HCD also entered a contract in December 2021 to purchase Grandis Pond for $14 million from Bellingham developer Ken Hertz, who purchased the property in 2005. HCD previously said Grandis Pond was its largest development project. HCD delayed closing the contract and ultimately pulled out of the agreement about two months ago, Hertz said. Hertz said he sold Grandis Pond to a local company for $10 million on December 14. Grandis Pond was bought by east Blaine residents Kevin Keck and Rebeka Ruiz-Lembo, according to the statutory warranty deed filed in the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. Grandis Pond is slated to eventu-
ally bring 872 single-family lots, 120 multi-family units and 10 acres of commercial space to east Blaine, but has been stalled for several decades because of lack(See HCD, page 5)
INSIDE
The Blaine Police Department (BPD) and public works department have begun moving their administrative offices into the second floor of the city hall building, located at 435 Martin Street, Suite 2000. Police officers will still work from the current police station on 322 H Street, but now services such as fingerprinting, records requests and concealed pistol license applications will be conducted at city hall. The move was similar for public works, allowing more space for operations and maintenance crews in the existing building at 1200 Yew Avenue, and moving engineers and administration under the same roof as the rest of city government. BPD lieutenant Michael Munden told The Northern Light that the police station had run out of space to properly store evidence, and was able to gain back some much-needed storage and training space with administration moved to city hall. “[Overcrowding] was an enormous issue,” Munden said. “Imagine your own home or office with no storage capacity. We had to stack things in halls and cram items into existing offices.” Munden said the overcrowding created safety issues for its employees, and made it hard to work quickly when important items were being lost in the office’s halls. Moving the administrative side of the police department to a central location where the majority of other Blaine city government organizations work day in and day out also helps with inter-agency efficiency, Munden said. Gary McSpadden, assistant director of public works, said that while the Yew Avenue office wasn’t as crowded as the police station, having city engineers and planners working under the same roof increases cohesion among the team.“It just made sense to get the engineering staff and the [city] planning group in the same building. They work so closely together,” McSpadden said. The move also allowed for the police department to utilize a $30,000 Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission grant, which funded the conversion
TheNorthernLight
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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TheNorthernLight.com
Celebrate New Year’s in Birch Bay! Ring of Fire & Hope
December 31 • 7 pm
@TheNorthernLightNews
41st Annual Polar Bear Plunge
January 1 • Plunge at Noon
For more details, see ad on page 9 or visit birchbaychamber.com
The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
END OF YEAR CLEARANCE ENTIRE STORE ON SALE! DECEMBER 22 THRU 31
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December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
We Wish You Much Joy this Holiday Season... & A Very Happy New Year! Terry Conway Broker Bay Properties Team (360) 410-0503
Ruth Skeete Broker Bay Properties Team (360) 358-5075
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Joseph Masters Broker Bay Properties Team (818) 640-0705
Linda Coyne Managing Broker Bay Properties Team (360) 510-7670
Ray Pelletti Managing Broker NorthStar Team (360) 815-0251
Amber Porter Broker Porter Team (360) 306-1798
Jeremy Porter Broker Porter Team (360) 306-1794
Dana Denton Broker RAD Team (360) 820-4877
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Diane Dufton Office Administrator (360) 371-7252
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The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
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, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, 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. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. 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.
The Northern Light wishes you a happy holiday
s From bottom left: Point Roberts Press staff Grace McCarthy, Pat Grubb, Aly McGee, Molly Ernst, Gary Lee, Louise Mugar and Nolan Baker attend a holiday lunch at The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro on December 8. Not pictured: Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman and Jeanie Lu na. Courtesy photo
Community Newspaper of Blaine & Birch Bay
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
We’re taking a holiday break. Next issue is January 4, 2024. Ads due December 29.
Call 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com regarding advertising.
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 28 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Jan. 4 Ads due: Dec. 29
Photo: Louise Mugar
Letters
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Holiday Schedule
The Editor: CAP’s Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store welcomed parents from 120 families last week who came to shop for Christmas gifts for their children at drastically discounted prices. Those who needed additional support were provided with partial or full vouchers. This adjusting of the assistance level provided makes our program unique among otherwise similar programs. Because of the amazing generosity of people in this community who donated over 750 toys and 124 gift cards as well as monetary donations, these parents were able to choose from a wonderful selection of high-quality gifts for their kids, which would otherwise have been out of their reach. I wish you all could have seen the smiles on these parents’ faces and heard their words of heartfelt gratitude as they left with their bags of gifts. I’m sure there will be many more smiles on Christmas morning, too, as these 321 children open and enjoy the gifts their parents chose for them. Thanks to all the donors who helped shower these families with love and support! It truly means the world to them. This year’s shopping proceeds, which totaled $3,734, will be shared with the Bridge Community Hope Center’s Emergency Assistance Fund, Valley Church Blaine Campus’ VC Essentials outreach to unhoused people in our area, and the Loads of Love program run by Christ Episcopal Church,
which pays for laundry costs at the Blaine Washhouse two Mondays each month. Through the work of these organizations, your donations to the Community Toy Store will have an impact on our neighbors in need throughout the year ahead. Thank you for making all this possible. A huge thanks to my toy store leadership team, all our volunteers, and to Valley Church for the use of the Blaine campus facility. We also want to thank the Blaine High School culinary arts classes that baked and packaged a dozen Christmas cookies for each family to take home. We couldn’t do this without all of you. This is truly a community-wide effort. It is an honor to be part of such a giving community. Laura Vogee Community Toy Store director Blaine The Editor: How lucky are we to live in a community that prioritizes providing activities and festivals that benefit our health and celebrate the wonderful place we live? I have been attending exercise classes through Blaine-Birch Bay parks and recreation (you may also know it BBBPRD2) for some time now. The quality of the classes and instructors, offered at a price that makes them available to all in the community, is amazing. However, I’ve only recently come to realize the extent to which parks and rec goes
beyond exercise classes and is extremely involved in backing community-wide events. From supporting the Wings Over Water festival to Blaine Youth Sports and so much in between, our whole community benefits from the great work they are doing. I have also been impressed with how much they are expanding their offerings to meet the diverse needs and interests of community members, keeping their finger on the pulse of what our community is looking for. I know they are always looking for suggestions for new offerings. Keep up the great work, BBBPRD2! Meaghan Doyle Blaine
Correction An article in the December 14 issue of The Northern Light titled “City council gives final plat approval to third division of The Ridge at Harbor Hills,” incorrectly stated the third division was two-thirds complete. The Ridge’s entire plat is twothirds complete. We regret the error. Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Birch Bay traditions to ring in the New Year By Grace McCarthy Birch Bay will kick off the New Year with two of its longstanding traditions of the Ring of Fire and Hope and the Polar Bear Plunge. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will start the countdown to the New Year with the Ring of Fire and Hope as people light flares along the Birch Bay shoreline at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 31.
City hall ... From page 1
of the old evidence room into a wellness room for officers to decompress after traumatic calls, and an outdated radio room into a gym. Both BPD and public works can still be reached by residents at their standard email and phone contacts, but for in-person visits, Munden said residents will need to visit city hall unless they have a scheduled appointment with an officer. The station doors are now locked with a phone outside to call 911 or the adminis-
The chamber will give out one free biodegradable flare per family on a first-come, first-serve basis. Flares will only be given to adults and cannot be picked up on behalf of others. The chamber will distribute flares 12-4 p.m. Friday, December 29 and Saturday, December 30 at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 4819 Alderson Road, suite 103, and 4-7 p.m. Sunday, December 31 at Beach Cat Brewing, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. The chamber will have dispostration in city hall. “Most communication with police administration is conducted by phone or email anyway. Moving our mailing address did little to change this,” Munden wrote. “Citizens now have access to all police services in the same building as other city services, including the court.” For any public works-related business, such as bill payments or permitting, the public is encouraged to visit the new offices on the second floor of city hall, McSpadden said. The public can also visit the public works’ website at bit.ly/477jHLV.
able flares for sale, and additional flares can also be purchased at nearby marine and hardware stores. After the Ring of Fire and Hope lights up the sky on New Year’s Eve, the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge will mark the event’s 41st year as participants run into the chilly Birch Bay waters at noon, on the beach across from Beach Cat Brewing. The chamber will have a booth set up inside a warming tent at Beach Cat Brewing where people can register for the plunge and purchase themed wear. RE Sources and Surfrider Foundation will host a beach cleanup before the polar plunge, 9-10:30 a.m. at Beach Cat Brewing. Cleanup crews will receive cleanup supplies and free coffee. Cleanup RSVPs are
encouraged at p2a.co/gHYZY2e. Musician Michael Dayvid will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the warming tent. Whatcom County residents Linda Cline and Gary Sytsma will be collecting blankets and winter clothing donations for the Community Assistance Program (CAP) clothing bank during the polar plunge. The pair will have a booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 1 at Beach Cat Brewing. CAP’s biggest need is winter blankets, Cline said, followed by winter clothing for children, women and men. For more information on donating, Cline can be reached at 425/387-9263 and Sytsma at 360/303-1307. Cline, who has done over 30
Birch Bay plunges, and Sytsma said they saw the popular event as an opportunity to fundraise. CAP is a nonprofit serving people in Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer and Point Roberts. “We just want to meet as many people’s needs as possible,” Sytsma said. Chamber event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti encouraged attendees to register for the Ring of Fire and Hope and the Polar Bear Plunge. “Even though both events are free, registering gives the chamber numbers to use for future funding,” he said. To register for the New Year’s events, visit birchbaychamber. com/events.
HCD ...
Crocker is serving as the company’s chief restructuring officer. According to court records, unaudited financial statements showed the company had about $224 million in assets and $172.5 million in debts as of September 30. “The city of Blaine was disappointed to learn about the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Harbor Custom Development, but we look forward to working with Harbor and potential
future developers on mitigating the impact of the filing on Blaine and surrounding area,” wrote Blaine city manager Mike Harmon in a statement. Habersetzer did not immediately return a request for comment.
From page 1
ing infrastructure. Engineering work is underway on the property, and about 120 of the 387 lots in the project’s first phase are almost fully engineered, Hertz said. Habersetzer became the company’s interim CEO and president in July following the retirement of founder and former CEO Sterling Griffin. Shelly
CITY OF BLAINE
Paired Wine Dinner
Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.
Our Farm Fresh Oysters! Take a Dozen Home OR Let us Grill or Fry up a bunch OR Just enjoy them Raw OR in our Stew
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Try Hand Dipped Fresh Rock Fish & Chips OR Wild Caught Patagonia Shrimp
December 26 3:30 – Civil Service Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*
$100 pp, includes tax and gratuity Reservations Required
December 28 9:30am – City Council Meeting
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January 1 City Offices Closed
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Presented by Charlie Gilbert, SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 • 5-8 PM 5 Courses Paired with 5 Wines
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December 25 City Offices Closed
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Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
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Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
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The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
Ecology fines Treoil $900,000 By Nolan Baker The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) issued a $900,000 fine on December 5 against the owners of Treoil Industries, a defunct 34-acre industrial site east of the bp Cherry Point refinery, for decades of improperly storing hazardous materials and environmental damage. Jagroop S. Gill and Campbell Land Corporation, owners of the
site, did not show good faith efforts to bring the site into compliance after numerous investigations and cleanups by state and federal agencies, according to DOE. The former tall oil processing plant is no longer in use, and underwent extensive cleanup efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2017 and 2022, costing roughly $2 million for each of those cleanups, according to Brooks Stanfield, on-scene coordinator for the
EPA. The site is near wetlands and a creek leading to the Strait of Georgia. In 2017, the EPA removed 93,000 gallons of tall oil waste, 275 tons of contaminated soil and 8 cubic yards of material containing asbestos. In 2022, it removed more than 100,000 gallons of hazardous liquid material and 3,316 tons of contaminated solids. DOE spokesperson Scarlet Tang said the site owner had ample opportunity to continue cleanup work
Member of the Month
to bring the site into compliance. “[2017] was a really good opportunity for the owner to come in and finish the cleanup to show that good faith effort towards compliance,” Tang said. “But unfortunately, that didn’t happen.” Gill has until early next month to either pay the nearly $1 million fine, or issue an appeal to Ecology. The EPA also put a lien on the property as a way to guarantee repayment for the millions spent cleaning up the site. Under the 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the EPA can impose a property lien
if a hazardous waste site is determined to be immediately dangerous to the environment and the site owner refuses to remedy the problems. According to Stanfield, Treoil Industries and Gill are now liable for a hefty cleanup bill. Stanfield said data is still being collected on the site’s soil and groundwater, but efforts by the EPA and DOE have greatly reduced the current danger of the site. “It will probably be determined that it doesn’t currently pose the same kind of immediate threat to the surrounding aquatic environment as it did before,” Stanfield said.
Welcoming new patients of all ages.
WECU
1773 H Street, Blaine, WA 98230 www.wecu.com Founded in 1936 by a group of Bellingham teachers, WECU has built a reputation as one of the area’s most well-loved and trusted institutions. Serving the Blaine community since 2006, Whatcom County’s largest credit union provides the financial tools its members need to thrive in their financial lives. At WECU’s Blaine Financial Center, branch manager James Danger and his team seek to provide service that goes beyond banking. “We know that when members come into the Financial Center, they have something that needs to get done, but we also know that people want to be treated like humans. Our team know our members’ names, listen with empathy, and treat everyone like a neighbor— because they are.” Danger reiterates that as a not-for-profit credit union, serving the community is important to WECU. “We’re passionate about helping the community and making Blaine a better place to live,” Danger said. “WECU encourages our team to get involved and give back.” Through sponsorships like Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July and Drayton Harbor Days, along with volunteerism and charitable giving, WECU actively contributes to the community’s well-being. Visit James and his team at WECU’s Blaine Financial Center or learn more about how WECU can help you on your financial journey by visiting wecu.com.
Joseph Banham PA-C
Ashley Harmon ARNP
Ryan Willis ARNP
Call today to schedule an appointment. 8097 Harborview Rd. • (360) 371-5855 Birch Bay Family Medicine
Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Members of the Month! OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo
www.station49.fun
The Northern Light Newspaper www.thenorthernlight.com The Northern Light is a free weekly newspaper that is locally owned and has brought the community high-quality news coverage since 1995.
ATHLETES
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MONTH
Bella Vezzetti Senior • Bowling Bella Vezzetti is the anchor of our team and our captain. Leading with her ability and attitude since day one, she is consistently one of the top scorers of our team and is in the top 10 of the Northwest Conference. With State quickly approaching, we look forward to see what is in store for the rest of our season with Bella leading the way.
Justin Minjarez Senior • Boys Basketball
Station 49 Fun for all ages Station 49 is a wonderful place for family with Go-Karts, a miniature train through 10 acres of forest, and a par 72 miniature golf course, plus top live entertainment, a family-friendly saloon, and now Smokehouse BBQ!
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Bow Wow & Woofs www.bowwowandwoofs.com Bow Wow & Woofs is a onestop shop for foods (including raw), treats and so much more for you pups (and cats)! Heather, Pepper and the team specialize in personalized service by making sure all their customers feel special!
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce 4819 Alderson Road #103 in Beautiful Birch Bay 360-371-5004 www.birchbaychamber.com
Justin has progressed nicely this season. His consistency on both ends of the floor has been a huge key for us so far this season. It is tough to take him out of the game. Justin has set the bar high in his commitment level to Blaine High School athletics, whether it be football or basketball. Is a joy to have him in the gym.
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December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Sports
JOIN US SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23RD FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM, FOR COMPLIMENTARY MINI DONUTS AS YOU EMBARK ON A FESTIVE SEARCH.
Sports roundup: Ellis sets school bowling record
UNLEASH YOUR INNER DETECTIVE AND HUNT FOR HIDDEN MINIATURE SANTAS IN OUR GIFT SHOP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FABULOUS GIFT CARDS.
Happy Holidays,
s Ainslee Ellis set a Blaine bowling record with a score of 179 on December 13 in a match against Everett at Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale. The Borderites won, 1480-1186. Photo by Nolan Baker
By Nolan Baker Girls bowling In a 1480-1186 win against Everett High School on December 13, Ainslee Ellis broke the school record for highest individual score in a single game, bowling a 179. Ellis broke the previous record held by teammate Bella Vezzetti. The Borderites have won three of its last four matches, beating Anacortes, Jackson and Everett within the span of two weeks. The team now gets a winter break respite before resuming conference play on Wednesday, January 3 against Cascade High School at Evergreen Bowling Lanes in Everett. The Borderites will finish the regular season schedule with a slate of games at Mt. Baker Lanes at 1788 Labounty Drive in Ferndale. Blaine will face Ferndale on Friday, January 5; Nooksack Valley on Tuesday, January 9; Squalicum on Tuesday, January 16 and Meridian on Friday, January 19. All games start at 3:15 p.m. Girls wrestling The Borderites girls wrestling team competed in the Santa Slam at Juanita High School in Kirkland on December 16. The entire team contributed in every weight
class, but it was Lucy Dahl and Analicea Ordonez whose performances stood out. Both wrestlers placed second in their respective weight classes, and each won
* actual photo of mini santa
(See Sports, page 13)
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The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
Holiday Worship Services Christ Episcopal Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Christmas EvE sErviCEs
7215 Valley View Rd. • 360-366-5567
Sunday, December 24
Christmas Eve Worship Sunday, Dec. 24th at 5:00 PM www.zionlutheranwhatcom.org
10 am - Simple Advent Eucharist 5 pm - Festival Eucharist of the Nativity Also on Facebook Live www.facebook.com/christchurchblaine
382 Boblett, Blaine christchurchblaine.org The Rev. Susan Mills
Happy Holidays
Celebrate Christmas Christmas Eve
10:30 am & 8 pm Candlelight Service
Christmas Day 10 am
The Blaine United Church of Christ Invites you to join us for
Grace Lutheran Church 702 G St.
blainegracelutheran.com Christmas Sunday Service
CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING SERVICE December 24, 2023 • 10:30 am-12 pm
Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24
10:30 am • Service 7 pm • Christmas Story & Carols 11:30 pm • Candlelight Service
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE December 24, 2023 • 6:30-7:30 pm (English & Spanish)
Both services will be in-person and online.
Zoom available for all services. Call for link. Blaine United Church of Christ Pastor Sandy Wisecarver 885 4th Street, Blaine WA 98230 360-332-6906
902 Adelia Street, Blaine, WA 98230 360-332-8918 office@bcfcommunity.com www.bcfcommunity.com www.facebook.com/blainechristianfellowship
December 24th 10am
Christmas Eve in the
Country Candlelight Service 7pm
Come & Join Us Pastor Bing C. Canlas
Custer United Methodist Church 2996 Main Street • Custer
360-366-5181
All Is Bright C h r i s t m a s E v e a t N o r t h B ay
Sunday, december 24th
2:30 & 4:00 PM
Across from the Birch Bay Waterslides Childcare provided for ages 5 and under
Sunday, December 24 • 4 pm CTL Blaine, 549 Cherry Street Bring your family and friends along for a time of worshipping King Jesus, a message from Pastor Tyler and a very special performance by the CTK Blaine kids. Cookies and hot chocolate to follow. Hope to see you there!
December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Whatcom County releases tool for tracking respiratory viruses
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Wishing You & Your Family
Happy Holidays
and a Happy and Healthy New Year! Please Vote YES on February 13, 2024 From Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 PAC Paid for by: Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 PAC 978 Harrison Ave., Blaine, WA 98230
By Grace McCarthy
BIRCH BAY
RING OF FIRE & HOPE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 AT 7:00PM
41st Annual
Birch Bay, WA
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
January 1, 2024 @ noon
T RE
O TAKE THE
G UN
TAKE T H E TO PL
LIVE MUSIC BY MICHAEL DAYVID FROM 11AM - 1 PM
RE
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
THE WARMING TENT WILL OPEN FOR PLUNGE REGISTRATION AND SHIRT SALES AT 10 AM SCAN TO AT BEACH CAT BREWING COMPANY (7876 BIRCH BAY DRIVE) PRE-REGISTER
DA
A LIMITED NUMBER OF COMPLIMENTARY FLARES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE BIRCH BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVAILABILITY, PICK UP LOCATIONS OR TO PURCHASE REUSABLE LED FLARES, VISIT WWW.BIRCHBAYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
P E? DO YOU
E ? DO Y OU
DA
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AND JOIN US AS WE LIGHT UP THE BAY FROM BIRCH BAY STATE PARK TO BIRCH BAY VILLAGE! NG LU
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department (WCHCS) has a new respiratory virus dashboard that provides data on Covid-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmissions in northwest Washington. WCHCS launched the dashboard at the beginning of December and plans to update it weekly with the previous week’s data. The data covers Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties. Health department officials created the dashboard to help healthcare facilities and people at high-risk for severe disease to make informed health decisions, according to a WCHCS release on the dashboard. The page will replace the county’s Covid-19 dashboard, set to retire January 31. The dashboard’s latest available data on December 9 showed respiratory viruses transmitting at a significant rate through northwest Washington. Flu and RSV transmission were above their alert thresholds, while Covid-19 was below its threshold. The region is considered to have high transmission rates if the viruses meet a set percentage of emergency department visits. According to the WCHCS, the thresholds are .3 percent for RSV, 1 percent for flu and 3 percent for Covid-19. All of the viruses must be below their thresholds for at least two weeks for the respiratory virus community transmission to be considered low. To view the dashboard, visit bit.ly/3GRRVIF.
& PRE-ORDER SHIRTS & HOODIES
FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.BIRCHBAYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
This event is made possible in part by a tourism promotion grant from Whatcom County This event is made possible in part by a tourism promotion grant from Whatcom County
10
The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
s y a d i l o H y p p a H
Blaine Indian restaurant soft opens
Waterfront Dining 825 Peace Portal Drive
Downtown Blaine • Minutes from I-5 Exit 276
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s The Namaste Indian restaurant has opened at 234 D Street in Blaine, the location of the former Big Al’s Diner. The restaurant soft opened December 17; hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. Menu offerings include masalas, curries and naan. Photo by Grace McCarthy
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Are mutts healthier than purebred dogs? This question has been posed many times and the answer tends to be mixed. The general public as well as some veterinarians have attested that mixed breeds, including hybrid ‘designer’ breeds, tend to be less vulnerable to genetic conditions that can affect longevity simply because their gene pools
are more diverse. However, ask a breeder who specializes in conscientious breeding that relies on genetic testing, inherited disease testing and temperament control, and he or she will say a purebred dog is healthier. PetMD reports that there are no definitive studies that have produced hard evidence to end the purebred versus mixed breed health debate. However, according to Dr. Sara Wooten, a veterinarian and contributor to PetMD with 16 years of clinical practice experience, mixed breed dogs
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tend to be healthier and live longer than many of the purebreds she sees in her practice. According to Scientific American, the health issues that have cropped up in purebred dogs have only done so in the last 200 years, despite thousands of years of breeding dogs for certain traits. Standards set for certain breeds in the show ring have resulted in some breeders turning to line breeding, which is a type of inbreeding that mates direct relatives, to produce desired traits and anatomical features. This can cause inherited diseases and exacerbate medical issues. But there are plenty of purebred dogs who live long, healthy lives. The same can be said for mixed breeds; some are hearty, passing the years in good health, while others have their days shortened by illness. Whether an owner picks a mixed breed or a purebred dog, ensuring proper health care with annual wellness visits is vital for the long-term health of the animal.
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December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
11
Blaine Middle School holds first community craft fair s
Blaine Middle School held its first Community Craft Fair in the cafeteria on December 9. Over 60 student and community vendors sold homemade crafts, artwork, baked goods and cloth-
ing with proceeds benefiting the middle school Parent, Teacher, Student Organization. One student selling 3D printed crafts donated over $800 to Blaine Food Bank. Photo by Jessica Johnson
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12
The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
NEXT ISSUE: Jan. 4
CLASSIFIEDS
MARKETPLACE Announcements
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: HAROLD WAYNE LOERKE, Deceased. No. 23-4-01080-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 29, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: December 7, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: November 29, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke
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Business Services PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
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Want to find a new home?
All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsing newspaper is subject paperinisthis subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing Act to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal it illegal to advertise any preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in vi877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation formed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, www.thenorthernlight.com call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
You’ve come to the right place! General
December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Sports ...
Lisa McCall Hodgson
From page 7
three matches on the day to reach their first place matches. While both were defeated in their final matches, Blaine still represented well in the massive, 27-team tournament field. The Borderites will compete in one more multi-team tournament before winter break, likely at Edmonds-Woodway High School on Wednesday, December 20. After the holiday break, Blaine will be back on the mat 6 p.m. Thursday, January 4 at Burlington-Edison High School. They’ll go right back to the mat 3:30 p.m. Friday, January 5 in the Braided 64 tournament at Kelso High School in southwest Washington. Boys basketball Boys basketball had a tough week, losing a 65-32 blowout on the road against Lakewood, then suffering a heartbreaking loss at home to Squalicum December 15, missing a last-second shot attempt to fall 69-67. Josiah Weeda, yet again, led the team in scoring with a game-high of 26 points, making five of nine 3-point attempts. After a hopeful 2-2 start to the season, the Borderites dropped two important conference games in a row, and have lost four of its last five. Now in the bottom-five of the NWC standings, the Borderites still have plenty of season left to turn around, and are still the second-ranked 1A team in the conference. But if the Borderites want to make a deep run at district and state tournaments as they did last year, they have a heavily-favored, 7-0 Lynden Christian team to get through first. The Borderites will travel to face Lynden Christian on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:15 p.m. Blaine plays one more home game before Christmas against Nooksack Valley at 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 22. Stats provided by WhatcomHoops.com Girls basketball Blaine girls basketball only played one game since last week’s update, but seem to have hit a bit of a road bump early in the season. After starting the year 3-0, then losing close to Oak Harbor, the Borderites were shut down December 13 in a 45-28 loss to conference opponent Lakewood. It was the Borderites lowest offensive output since beating Friday Harbor 28-10. The Friday Harbor game, however, was cut short at halftime so the Borderites could catch the ferry home. This time, they had a full four quarters and could only put up 28 points. Last week, after the Borderites whipped visiting Bellingham 53-30, head coach Vic Wolffis quipped, “Everything looks good when the shots go down.” Now on the other side of that coin, little looked good on Wednesday, and the Borderites dropped its second straight. But the season is still young, and the Borderites will face another test when hosting a tough Lynden Christian team at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 20. The Borderites play one more game before winter break, at Nooksack Valley at 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 22.
13
December 15, 1959 – November 22, 2023
OBITUARIES
Mary (Dunbar) Young Mary (Dunbar) Young, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by her family. Mary is survived by her children, Debra (Michael) and Gregory (Dorianne). Her greatest joy was being a grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five. Mary lived a full life and loved her family and friends above all else. She was a proud graduate of Blaine High School. She enjoyed domestic and international travel, was artistically gifted and loved collecting art and antiques. She had a full career, she was especially proud of her work with Blue Ribbon Sports to become Nike in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s. Mary had a gentle heart and was immensely loyal and determined. Her determination allowed her to build a small business after she retired from Nike. She always had a contagious smile and easy laugh; we will miss her cheerful personality that enriched the lives of many. She was always eager to help those in need and was generous with her time with various organizations. Mary was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Lisa McCall Hodgson passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at her home in Blaine, WA, surrounded by her family, she was 63 years old. She was born Lisa Suzanne McCall on December 15, 1959 in Mobile, AL to Anna McCall (née Long) and A.D. “Mac” McCall. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to San Antonio, TX. Lisa was a devoted advocate for social justice and defending the vulnerable and less fortunate whenever she could. She believed that all living things are important and deserved our respect. Lisa will be remembered for her infectious smile, her sparkling eyes, her love of color, and her dedication to education. She held multiple degrees at various institutions. Lisa was a great lover of animals. She spent many hours with her dogs, enjoying the birds and all of the wildlife that wandered through the property. She was musically gifted, and would find three and four part harmonies effortlessly with her angelic voice. She enjoyed playing the piano, the guitar, and the flute. Lisa was preceded in death by her father, AD “Mac” McCall (Dallas, TX) and her stepfather Vincent “Duke” Tanzola (San Antonio, TX). She leaves behind her loving spouse of 39 years Mark (Blaine, WA), her son Alex (Surrey, BC), daughter Alyssa (Blaine, WA), her mother Anna McCall (San Antonio, TX), her sister LeAnne (Mark) Wisner (Houston, TX), her brother David (Lori, Drew, and Taylor) McCall (San Antonio, TX), Jim and Rose Marie Hodgson (Surrey, BC), Rand (Darla, Jesse, Lynna) Hodgson (Blue Springs, MO), Marcia (Ross, Blake) Charlesworth (White Rock, BC), and Wesley (Rose, Violet, and Theo) Hodgson (Des Moines, IA). In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity that empowers women.
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14
The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
Coming up
Sheriff’s Reports December 6, 7:22 a.m.: Runaway cold call on W. 29th Drive. December 6, 8:40 a.m.: Abandoned vehicle on Valley View Road. December 6, 10:28 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive. December 6, 10:54 a.m.: Assault on Boone Road. December 6, 1:07 p.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay Square Street. December 6, 3:50 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Nautical Court. December 6, 5:33 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Custer School Road. December 6, 9:03 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Birch Bay Drive.
hazard on Birch Bay Lynden Road. December 7, 7:45 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Main Street. December 8, 12:03 p.m.: Child abuse cold call on White Road. December 8, 4:36 p.m.: Suspicious person on Henley Street. December 8, 6:07 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on N. Enterprise and Loomis Trail roads. December 8, 6:58 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay Drive. December 8, 7:59 p.m.: Counterfeit cold call on Beachcomber Drive. December 9, 8:32 a.m.: Shots on Sunrise Road.
December 7, 7:56 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Bruce Road.
December 9, 4:10 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Custer School Road.
December 7, 10:24 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Creasey Drive.
December 9, 6:00 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road and Portal Way.
December 7, 11:14 a.m.: Assault cold call on Boone Road.
December 9, 8:03 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Cottonwood Drive.
December 7, 6:25 p.m.: Hit and run Graham Drive and Birch Bay Lynden Road. December 7, 6:46 p.m.: Traffic
December 9, 9:14 p.m.: Animal problem on H Street and Delta Line roads.
Crossword ACROSS 1. A way to injure 5. Mutual savings bank 8. Rock TV channel 11. Large number of fish swimming together 13. Military mailbox 14. Female of a horse 15. Category 16. City 17. Breezed through 18. Officer who bears a mace 20. Tax collector 21. “Cheers” actress Perlman 22. Pauses before acting 25. Extracted information from a wave 30. Tendency to revert to something ancestral 31. No seats available 32. Nocturnal rodents 33. Moves gently to and fro 38. Not good 41. A way to ready 43. One who makes something better 45. Things associated
with American history 48. Ancient Phoenician fertility god 49. A continuous portion of a circle 50. Volcanic craters 55. Units of electrical resistance 56. Gamble on 57. Ethiopian town 59. One point east of northeast 60. Polynesian garland of flowers 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. State of fuss 63. Keyboard key 64. Partner to relaxation DOWN 1. “The world’s most famous arena” 2. Polite interruption sound 3. Private school in New York 4. Refuse of grapes 5. __ Tomei, actress 6. Adult beverages 7. Supporter 8. Papier-__, art material 9. Forests have them
10. Most ancient Hindu scriptures 12. Downwind 14. Marketplace 19. Flowering plant genus 23. Street where nightmares happen 24. Admirer 25. Dip lightly into water 26. When you hope to get there 27. Partner to cheese 28. Egg 29. A way to disqualify 34. South American plant 35. Fold-away bed 36. Debbie Harry album “__ Koo” 37. Swedish krona 39. Displaying warmth and friendliness 40. Official orders 41. Bowling alley necessity 42. Stray 44. About milk 45. Expressed pleasure 46. Caribbean dance 47. If not
December 10, 1:05 a.m.: Overdose on Salish Road.
Line Dancing with Santa and Mrs. Claus: Thursday, December 21, 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Family-friendly with festive tunes. Holiday costumes and accessories encouraged. Cookies and hot chocolate to go. No registration required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
December 10, 9:18 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Theme: general knowledge plus ugly holiday attire. Info: thevaultwine.com.
December 10, 10:03 a.m.: Civil standby on Park Lane.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 22, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Chuck Dingee. Info: thevaultwine.com.
December 10, 3:55 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
Christmas Worship Services: See ads on page 8.
December 10, 5:01 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Beachway Drive and Alder Street. December 11, 5:32 p.m.: Missing person cold call on Loomis Trail Road. December 12, 7:34 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Lynden and Percie roads. December 12, 9:55 a.m.: Property found on Birch Bay Square Street. December 12, 10:06 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Morgan Drive. December 12, 11:27 a.m.: Child abuse on White Road. December 12, 11:54 a.m.: Child abuse cold call on Tracy Place. December 12, 7:46 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Mayfair Place.
48. __ fide (Latin) 51. Swiss river 52. Hebrew calendar month 53. One easily swindled 54. Point that is one point south of southwest 58. Small island (British) ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Ring of Fire and Hope: Sunday, December 31, 7 p.m., along Birch Bay waterfront. Send out the old year as Birch Bay lights up in red. Reusable flares $20 or get a free disposable flare available the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 4819 Alderson Road #103, on December 29 and 30 from noon–4 p.m. and Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive on December 31 from 4–7 p.m., while supplies last. Info: birchbaychamber.com. Polar Bear Plunge: Monday, January 1, noon, Birch Bay waterfront across from Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Preregister at birchbaychamber.com or register beginning at 10 a.m. in the WECU warming tent. Presale t-shirts and hoodies at birchbaychamber.com. Mason Bees - Alternative Pollinators: Wednesday, January 3, 5–7 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to support all pollinators in your own backyard. This workshop will present an overview of the problem and introduce you to native pollinators, plus discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard. Info: nwcore.org. Blaine Chamber Networking Breakfast: Thursday, January 4, 7:30 a.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Speaker: Blaine Community Assistance Program. Info: blainechamber.com. Group Fitness Demo Day: Saturday, January 6, 8 a.m.–noon, Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Free 25-minute classes including yoga, strength fundamentals, Pound, cardio fusion, Total Barre and Zumba. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Cruising with Heino: Wednesday, January 10, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn tips, tricks and finding the best deals. Answers to your ocean cruise ship/cruising questions. A media presentation by Heino Sunter and handouts. Info: nwcore.org. “A Journey Toward Hope and Healing”: Thursdays, January 11–February 8, 1–2:30 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 815 4th Street. This educational and supportive grief group covers many dimensions of grief, including the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of grief. Group is co-led by two Whatcom Hospice bereavement caregivers. Limited space. Preregistration required at 360/733-5877 or email whatcomhospicegrief@peacehealth.org. Teen Board Game Night: Friday, January 12, 6–8 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Teens play Dungeons and Dragons, Catan and more. Free. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.
Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info: 360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.
Tides
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
December 21-27 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE
TIME
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
Th 21 12:43 am 10.3
5:30 am
8.1
12:16 pm 14.5
7:41 pm
5.2
Fr 22 2:29 am 11.4
6:44 am
9.7
12:50 pm 14.3
8:23 pm
3.8
Sa 23 3:47 am 12.6 1:24 pm 14.1 Su 24 4:49 am 13.8 1:58 pm 13.8 Mo 25 5:39 am 14.6 2:36 pm 13.5 Tu 26 6:23 am 15.1 3:14 pm 13.1 We 27 7:01 am 15.3 3:54 pm 12.8
8:06 am 11.0 9:03 pm
2.8
9:24 am 11.7 9:43 pm
2.1
10:32 am 12.1 10:21 pm
1.8
11:30 am 12.1 10:59 pm
1.8
12:22 pm 12.0 11:37 pm
2.0
Weather
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484. Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, January 17, 4–5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. January title: Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqwšeblu LaPoint Blaine Book Club: Friday, January 19, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: How the Other Half Eats by Priya Fielding-Singh. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.
Precipitation: During the period of December 11 to 17, 0.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation is 27.9 inches.
Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.
Temperature: High for the past week was 55.1°F on December 16 with a low of 31.8°F on December 12. Average high was 49.9°F and low was 36.3°F.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 307/349-0450.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
December 21 - 27, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Deka Wiebusch CFP® AIF® CRPC®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Doniel Hagee, DPT, ATC, OCS
Skyline Advisors, Inc. is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skyline Advisors, Inc. unless a client service agreement is in place. Skyline Advisors, Inc. is not in the business of providing specific tax advice. Clients are encouraged to engage a tax professional for specific tax questions and recommendations. *IRS Publication 590A, Publication 590B on file at Skyline Advisors.
405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621 www.myskylineadvisor.com
A Special Section of published monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month
A:
Q: My MRI or X-ray shows that I have degenerative joint disease (arthritis) in my back. Does this mean I have to live with pain? A: Research shows that the severity of arthritis on
Q: Why should I have tax planning done? A: Tax planning is an effective tool to help educate
taxpayers of the possible ways to save on their tax bill. Additionally, tax planning is also helpful in understanding future tax-saving opportunities. For example, it may make sense for a taxpayer to defer more to retirement accounts, spread income out over several years, execute a Roth conversion, or donate through a Qualified Charitable Donation out of an IRA*. There are a multitude of strategies that could be effective to lower their tax cost or maximize wealth. Skyline Advisors works with our clients and their tax advisor to create plans and strategies to better serve their tax needs.
Q:
15
imaging doesn’t always correlate with pain. That means that “degeneration” and other age-related changes with imaging is not always a predictor of back pain. It is normal for people to experience back pain occasionally, and it is best addressed early if it does occur. At Capstone Physical Therapy your physical therapists work with you to design an individualized care plan to reduce or get rid of pain. Capstone has seven locations throughout Whatcom County and is accepting new patients at our Birch Bay Square location and our Blaine clinic on H Street.
1733 H Street • Suite 400 • Blaine, WA 98230
360-332-5511
www.capstonept.com Blaine
Cordata
Lynden
Ferndale
Barkley
Q: How can I prepare my Jordan home for a DPT Q: What are my options if I cannot afford a Crim, visit from Santa?
Birch Bay/Blaine
A: As a realtor with a keen eye for all things home-related, let’s make
sure Santa feels right at home when he pays a visit this Christmas. Let’s talk curb appeal. Santa has been traveling the world in one night for centuries, so make sure your home stands out with twinkling lights, a cozy wreath on the door, and clean landing spot on the roof, free of any branches or leaves that may have accumulated this fall. Make sure the fireplace area is clear and ready for his grand entrance. Now would be a good time to clean your flue if you haven’t already this year. Inside, Santa loves a warm and cozy atmosphere. Consider decluttering to make your living space feel larger and leaving out some milk and cookies – after all, it’s a long night for him. Lastly, don’t forget about the reindeer. A small bowl of water and some carrots in the yard might just keep them energized for the rest of their journey. Whether or not you’re expecting a visit from St. Nick, fostering a warm and inviting home adds to the joy of the season. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
20% down payment?
A: Peoples Bank works with the VA, FHA, USDA, and WSHFC. All of these
letters mean we have many options for all types of buyers. Some of these options offer a 0% down payment. Do not be discouraged by high prices or minimal down payments. We can help you navigate through the largest purchase of your life. Call today to discuss what is best for you and your financial needs: 360-756-8390.
For more information visit mattberry.withwre.com
Whatcom County Home Loan Specialists NMLS# 405872
Office: 360-756-8390 Lynden • Everson • Ferndale • Bellingham
Advice
from the PROS
You are the expert and you have the answers for our readers... Your Potential Clients This monthly feature provides you an opportunity to speak to the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community and answer some of their specific questions or some general questions from your business that almost every new client wants to know. Your ad will be 5” wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo and contact information plus your question and answer.
EXCLUSIVITY - Each business category is limited to one advertiser. Here’s your opportunity to voice your expertise!
Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay
To reserve space call 360-332-1777
16
The Northern Light • December 21 - 27, 2023
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488
Jessica Bates 360-410-0900
Matt Berry 360-389-0104
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
Kelly Brown 425-238-3420
Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224
Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
Greg Flint 360-220-0551
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
Paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444
Lorraine Hoving 360-961-2407
Lesha Hutchinson 360-510-0640
Christy Imperio 360-201-4100
Darin Jurasevich 360-325-2284
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
Brenda Mills 360-319-0072
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838
CJ Stauffer 360-306-2328
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Lisa Viereck 206-852-2289
Tonya Wahl 541-707-0196
Randy Weg 360-305-5704
Stephanie Office Manager
Wynden Holman 360-319-8717
Windermere Real Estate – BIRCH BAY • 8105 Birch Bay Square Street #101 • Blaine, WA, 98230 360-371-5100 • windermerewhatcom.com