The Northern Light: March 21-27, 2024

City of Blaine names police chief candidate

B y G race M c c arthy

The city of Blaine has extended an employment offer for its next police chief.

Rodger Funk, chief inspector at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) professional standards office, has been offered the Blaine police chief position, city manager Michael Harmon wrote in a March 20 email to The Northern Light.

Funk has 28 years of law enforcement experience at the WCSO, holding various high-ranking positions within the sheriff’s office. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law and justice and holds a master’s degree in management.

Funk, who grew up in Whatcom County, said it’s been a career goal of his to be a police chief.

“To be able to serve as a chief of police in a Whatcom County agency is a dream come true,” Funk said in a phone call. “I’ve been up there for the past few months getting to know community members and business leaders and I’m excited to get to know the entire community on a greater level.”

The city of Blaine received 16 applicants from across the U.S., including from within the WCSO and Blaine Police Department. A committee made up of three panels interviewed four finalists and provided the city manager with their recommendation.

“We had a lot of strong interest from all over the country, which is very exciting for the city of Blaine,” Harmon said. “We had a strong candidate pool of both internal and external candidates and ultimately I think any of the finalists would be a good fit for the city. We made a decision based on a number of factors and I think we’ll end up with a good chief.”

Harmon did not provide The Northern Light with the names of the other finalists.

The three panels involved in the hiring process were a panel of three Blaine citizens, a panel of three city of Blaine elected and appointed officials, and a panel of three law enforcement leaders in Whatcom County. Each panel also had one city staff member.

Harmon and mayor Mary Lou Steward selected who would serve on the citizen panel. Among panelists were business owner Sarbie Bains, former mayor Bonnie

(See Police chief, page 3)

Wings Over Water

School board appoints Swinburnson, Galbraith

Ryan Swinburnson and Steve Galbraith were appointed to the Blaine school board during a March 15 special meeting. The two newest members of the five-person board will be sworn in at the next board meeting on Monday, March 25.

The school board was forced to search for new directors after former members Ryan Ford and Donald Leu both resigned from their positions within hours of each other before the board’s February 26 meeting, both citing personal and health-related matters.

Swinburnson was appointed to represent District 4, vacated by Ford, and Galbraith will hold Leu’s former District 5 seat. The newly appointed members will serve until the next local election in November 2025, when they can run for reelection.

Six candidates ran for the two open positions, with November’s general election candidate Derrick Bovenkamp applying for the District 4 position, and Susan Lottimer, Paul Berg and former District 5 board member Charles Gibson applying for the District 5 position.

Galbraith attended Blaine public schools from kindergarten through high school, received his pharmacology degree from Washington State University and worked at a Blaine pharmacy.

He served on Blaine City Council from 1989 to 1990, and served six years on the city planning commission prior to council. He currently serves as council president for Grace Lutheran Church.

“The school board needs to work cohesively,” Galbraith said. “It doesn’t mean

(See School, page 3)

tjohnson;Seattle;Clean Air Comfort Systems;C33432;10x2-4c (24No)

31

Easter Mass

8:30 am

St Joachim, Lummi

10 am

St Anne, Blaine 10:30 am

St Joseph, Ferndale

549 Cherry Street, Blaine 9:30 am & 11:15 am

Saturday, March 30, 10 am–noon For

We are an open and affirming church - welcoming all the people of God. Corner of Fourth & Clark •

Zion Lutheran Church

Good Friday, March 29th, 7pm

Easter Sunday, March 31st, 10am

360-366-5567 • office@zionlutheranwhatcom.org 7215 Valley View Rd. • zionlutheranwhatcom.org

Grace Lutheran Church

CUSTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Easter Worship Services

Maundy Thursday: Service 6 pm March 28

Maundy ursday: Silent Dinner 6pm Worship 6:30pm

Easter Worship: 10am

Children’s Time: 10:15am with Easter Egg Hunt Brunch: 11 am

Easter Sunday: Worship 10 am Brunch Following

Everyone Welcome • Pastor “Bing” Canlas

Everyone Welcome

Easter Services

2996 MAIN STREET (PO BOX 500) CUSTER, WA 98240 (360)366-5181

2996 MAIN STREET CUSTER, WA (360) 366-5181 custerumc.org

Endtime Message Tabernacle

Good Friday • 7 pm Saturday • 6 pm Easter • 10:30 am & 5 pm

Regular Service Times: Sundays at 10:30 am & 5 pm

3605 Bennett Drive, Bellingham 360-815-5025 • www.EMT.church

Maundy Thursday

702 G Street

702 G Street

360-332-6589

Man charged for opioid death of fellow inmate at Whatcom County Jail

B y N ola N B aker

An inmate at the Whatcom County Jail has been charged for the overdose death of a fellow inmate on March 13, and is awaiting trial for multiple charges including controlled substance homicide.

On the morning of March 13, Whatcom County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) corrections officers and medical staff responded to two cellmates exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose, according to a WCSO press release.

Lifesaving measures were given to both inmates, but were unsuccessful for Andre Haas, 28, who was declared dead at the jail, according to the Bellingham Police Department. The other cellmate, still unnamed, was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment.

Angel Leffingwell, 38, was charged for the death of Haas on March 15 following a joint investigation by the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Response Team (LEMART) and Bellingham police.

“Leffingwell was the only inmate in the common area of housing while all other inmates were in their respective cells,” a BPD statement read. “When cor-

School ...

From page 1

they have to be in lockstep with each other, but they have to be a cohesive unit at the end of the day. […] We need to be able to have those robust discussions about the path forward for our school district.”

Swinburnson attended Blaine public schools from the first grade through high school, earned a law degree from Willamette University, and now runs a law practice based in Bellingham.

While Swinburnson said in his letter he hasn’t held an elected position before, he has worked alongside several public boards as legal counsel in Morrow and Benton counties in Oregon.

The commitment required of

Police chief ...

From page 1

Onyon, school superintendent Chris Granger, Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, Ferndale police chief Kevin Turner and Western Washington University chief of police Katryne Potts. After the majority of the interview team recommended Funk, he underwent a polygraph and psychological examination, which he passed. Harmon will bring an employment contract before city council for consideration and Funk’s start date will be determined once his contract is approved.

Michael Munden, who had been serving as lieutenant of Blaine Police Department, is the interim police chief. Munden said the new chief had asked him to stay with the police department, but Munden’s role within

rections officers arrived, Mr. Haas and his cellmate were located unconscious and non-responsive. Aid was rendered to Mr. Haas and his cellmate while Mr. Leffingwell was secured.”

Leffingwell was booked into jail on February 25 on suspicion of vehicular assault and evading police after a leading a high-speed chase through Chuckanut Drive and into downtown Bellingham, according to court documents.

It remains unclear how Leffingwell was able to smuggle opioids into the jail. Inmates can be subject to strip searches or scanned using a full-body scanner to detect for drugs or foreign objects, according to WCSO public information officer Deb Slater.

“Inmates have wrapped and swallowed or inserted suspected opioids into their body cavity to get them into the facility,” Slater wrote.

On February 27, while already in custody, Leffingwell was charged with possession of a controlled substance by a prisoner. According to court documents, Leffingwell was found with multiple bags of fentanyl pills during the arrest.

Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said the office is evaluating its procedures for ensuring inmates can’t

board members facing an impending $2.5 million budget deficit – along with hours of training for new members – was on the forefront of both members’ minds during the interview process.

“I think I knew when I applied that I was jumping into the fray, into the fire a little bit,” Swinburnson said.

“That wasn’t a deterrent because I’ve been on enough committees, city council is a perfect example,” Galbraith said. “It’s a lot of time that [the public] doesn’t see. It’s all the prep before that, all the investigation, making sure that I have the information I need to be a part of a productive discussion.”

Galbraith and Swinburnson are joining the board as members with deep community ties, a history of attending Blaine pub-

the administration is still being determined. It was announced in a December 2023 council meeting that Munden planned to retire in 2024.

The city of Blaine began hiring for a new police chief after Donnell Tanksley, the former chief, was elected Whatcom County Sheriff last November.

bring drugs into the jail.

There were thirteen overdoses in Whatcom County Jail in 2023, and so far there have been five overdoses at the facility in 2024, Slater said. The jail offers medication for inmates experiencing opioid use disorder, and as of March 10, 75 inmates were taking those medications.

“No one should die while in our custody,” Tanksley wrote in a statement. “Our staff and our jail processes are geared to protect incarcerated individuals. For the sake of all involved, we are working through the protocols in place and commit to support the investigation – and, more importantly, to ensure no illicit drugs remain in our facilities.”

An independent investigation of the incident is still being conducted by LEMART. Results of the investigation will be made public in the future, according to WCSO.

“It was important yesterday, well before yesterday, and especially today that we acknowledge and take seriously the community’s opioid epidemic,” Tanksley wrote. “We need everyone, all of us, to take action and prevent future tragedies.”

lic schools and an appreciation for the work done every day by school district teachers and staff.

“They’re excellent people. They could have done just about anything they wanted to do and they chose to put their time and professional effort into Blaine,” Swinburnson said. “I want to make sure that the desire to have your kids experience Blaine and be a part of the Blaine school district continues.”

s Rodger Funk. Courtesy photo

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.

Publisher

Co-publisher

Question: I have a car with 10 air bags. If I get in a crash I’m going to be floating in a balloon-filled cabin. With that many airbags, is the seat belt still necessary? I realize it’s the law, but from a safety perspective how much does it help anymore?

Answer: Not only are airbags an effective safety feature, they also function as a prompt for jokes. Like these: New cars come with up to a dozen airbags, and that doesn’t count your passengers. New cars have so many airbags that they’re beginning to rival a political convention. Airbags – inspired by a road trip with your in-laws. I didn’t promise they’d be good jokes.

You might think that with all those balloons inflating almost instantly in a crash, a seat belt isn’t as important as it once was. And if you did think that, you’d be mistaken.

If you look closely at your steering wheel and the other airbag locations in your car, you’ll probably find the letters “SRS”. That stands for “Supplemental Restraint System.” Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, so there’s a design assumption; people in the car are wearing seat belts. That’s a reasonable expectation;

The Editor:

The Blaine Food Bank is proud to partner with Washington State Department of Health and welcome their “Care-a-Van” free immunization clinic on Friday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to noon, during our regular distribution.

They will also offer blood glucose and blood pressure screening for adults. They will have 2023-24 flu vaccines, as well as 2023-24 Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for adults and pediatrics, childhood vaccines and mpox vaccines. There will also be Narcan kits available.

These vaccines are free to children from six months to 18 years old, and to adults with no insurance. If you have insurance, you could be billed for adult flu and Covid-19 immunizations as service from an out of network provider.

Although ID, pre-registration and immunization records and not required, they are recommended.

If possible, please register at birdseyemedical.com.

If you need your immunization records, this link can send a copy to your phone: waverify.doh.wa.gov.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get those immunizations “out of the way,” and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring them to our community.

Sally Church Director, Blaine Food Bank Blaine

in Washington, for example, 93 percent of us wear a seat belt.

Seat belt effectiveness is undebatable. I mean, I guess you could debate it, but every data source I’ve come across says you’d be wrong. Wearing your seat belt drops your risk of a fatal injury in a crash by 45 percent.

By some estimates, seat belts combined with airbags push that over 60 percent Airbags alone, though, are not so impressive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017 seat belts saved 14,955 lives, while airbags saved 2,790 lives.

Yes, airbags save lives, but they’re no seat belt. And on their own, they can inflict harm too. When you wear a seat belt in a crash, your airbag helps to further decrease your odds of injury. That nearly instant inflation isn’t so great though if you’re not wearing a seat belt.

Consider what happens in a head-on crash. Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. When a car stops upon impact, the driver of that car continues in the same direction and speed until they’re stopped, by the seat belt and airbags when used and

so equipped, or by the steering wheel and windshield when not used.

The seat belt restrains your torso, but at the top of your torso is a ten-pound ball with some stuff in it that you depend on for survival. That ball keeps moving forward until stopped by your neck. The airbag fills in that space, supporting your head and spreading out the overall impact to your body.

Without the seat belt though, in a crash you’ll be rapidly moving toward a balloon that’s exploding at 100 to 200 mph. When it’s fully deployed it’s a cushion; but at first it’s a rocket. Get too close and you have the potential for serious injuries from the airbag. The seat belt keeps you in position to get the safety benefits of the airbag and avoid the initial giant punch from it.

For all the lives saved by airbags, there have been some fatalities (partly because early airbag designs were too powerful), but in over 80 percent of those deaths the people were not wearing a seat belt or improperly restrained. Airbags work, but only when paired with your seat belt.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes thewisedrive.com.

The Editor:

What if healthy choices were also ones kids grew up experiencing as fun, easy and accessible?

Dr. Sandhya Gelou’s recent article in The Northern Light about making diabetes prevention a joyful family affair aligns perfectly with the mission of Common Threads.

A hearty hallelujah to her statement, “Setting a new normal can lead to healthier habits for everyone in the family. And, it can be fun!”

This philosophy is at the core of Common Threads’ seed-to-table gardening, cooking and eating programs. Dr. Gelou’s medical perspective reaffirms our commitment to making these programs as accessible as possible to all kids through gardening and cooking classes on school grounds during the school day.

While we can certainly hope that kids are learning about healthy eating and exercise at home, the reality is that not all of them do.

Teaching children to nourish themselves, explicitly incorporating this important life skill into the school curriculum, is a topic that deserves more attention and investment than it gets.

Did you know that although Common Threads currently gardens and cooks with kids in 25 schools across five districts in Whatcom County, not a single one of those schools invests funding in

CiviC Meetings

these critical programs? They all count on the goodwill of parents and Common Threads as a nonprofit partner for funding and implementation.

Laying the groundwork for our kids’ lifelong health deserves greater investment at a systemic level. An investment in our children today will bear dividends tomorrow. Isn’t that what we all want?

Laura Plaut Executive Director, Common Threads

Bellingham

Comments on the website …

In the past year, the new director of the Blaine senior/community center, Pete Nelson, has made many amazing changes and additions in programming and activities at the center. Pete has spent enormous time and energy into something he is passionate about.

I encourage everyone over age 50 to check out the center. From community meals to Mahjong, to travel seminars, to a fully equipped workout gym and so much more, you won’t be disappointed to hear about all the ways mature citizens can have an active lifestyle right here in our community.

As an added plus, Pete is one of the friendliest guys I know – and his staff is fantastic too!

Bonnie Onyon Blaine

ArOund BLAine And WhAtCOM COunty

News in Blaine and Whatcom County … Blaine Community Theater

Opening night for Blaine Community Theater’s rendition of “Lords and Ladies” by Terry Pratchett is set for 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 at Blaine High School’s orange-and-black box theater.

The play will run for two consecutive weekends at the high school. The Friday and Saturday night performances will start 7 p.m. March 22-23 and March 2930, while the Sunday matinee will be 2 p.m. March 24 and March 31.

Pratchett, a British author, wrote “Lords and Ladies” as a fantasy novel with inspiration taken from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $12 for children. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit blainecommunitytheater.com.

Vaccine clinic at Blaine Food Bank

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is hosting a vaccine clinic at Blaine Food Bank from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 29.

The vaccine clinic will offer the 2023-24 Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for adults and children, the 2023-24 flu vaccine for adults and children, childhood vaccines and vaccines for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The clinic will also have blood glucose and blood pres-

sure screenings for adults as well as naloxone kits, widely known by its commercial name Narcan.

The clinic is free for children and young adults age six months through 18 years old. Adults 19 years and older and have health insurance may be billed for the flu and Covid-19 vaccines. The DOH asks that proof of insurance and vaccine cards be brought to the clinic. Vaccine records can be accessed at waverify.doh.wa.gov.

While walk-ins are welcome, the clinic strongly encourages pre-registration. Pre-registration is available at bit.ly/43nGmmM.

The clinic is part of the department of health’s “Care-a-Van,” a mobile health clinic serving communities highly impacted by healthcare inequities.

The food bank is located at 500 C Street in Blaine.

Women’s History Month film screening

The end of Women’s History Month will be celebrated with a film screening of “Where Visions Meet,” a historical documentary on Ellen Swallow Richards and Dr. Maria Montessori at Blaine Public Library at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30. The director, Gail Longo, will attend the screening.

The short documentary provides an account of Richards

and Montessori, two trailblazing activists and scientists who advocated public health education during industrial expansion, overcrowding and spreading disease, according to the event description.

Richards founded Home Economics, now known as Family and Consumer Sciences, while Montessori was the first female physician to graduate from the University of Rome and founded the Montessori philosophy of teaching.

The Blaine library is located at 610 3rd Street.

Free Narcan at Whatcom County libraries

Whatcom County libraries, including Blaine Public Library, have started providing free naloxone kits thanks to a partnership between the DOH and Whatcom County Library System (WCLS).

The nasal spray of naloxone is available at all WCLS’s locations, though supplies are limited.

WCLS said in a press release it would refill the naloxone periodically as long as it has doses.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is used to reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl, heroin and prescription opioids.

WCLS executive director Christine Perkins wrote that the library system had already distributed over 200 naloxone kits.

“We are thrilled to have our

county library system as another access point for free naloxone distribution,” wrote Erika Lautenbach, director of Whatcom County Health and Community Services, in a statement. “This increases access to overdose-reversing drugs in our more rural areas, which have typically been underserved by traditional healthcare clinics”

In 2023, there were 136 overdose deaths in Whatcom County, a 49 percent increase from 2022, according to preliminary data from the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Naloxone kits should be stored in an indoor area with a consistent room temperature. Leaving the kits in car glove compartments could reduce the medication’s effectiveness due to exposure to extreme temperatures.

Alaska Airlines flight from BLI Alaska Airlines recently added its third daily flight between Bellingham International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The flight, which began March 14, departs Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at BLI at 6:19 p.m. The flight then departs BLI at 6:59 p.m. and arrives in Seattle at 7:51 p.m.

The flight was added because of increased demand to fly between the cities, according to a Port of Bellingham news release. The port owns and operates the Bellingham airport, which also has flights for Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Airlines.

Blaine Planning Commission mulls downtown zoning

B y G race M c c arthy

Blaine Planning Commission is ironing out the details of its downtown zoning recommendations for building height and parking requirements that it will eventually send to Blaine City Council.

Planning commissioners told Alex Wenger, director of the city’s Community Development Services (CDS) Department, during their March 14 meeting that they wanted to see a rendering of what increasing building height on the west side of Peace Portal Drive could look like before moving forward in the public process. Wenger said after the meeting he hopes to show several renderings at the April 11 planning commission meeting.

Planning commissioners green lighted CDS Department’s downtown parking recommendations that would allow developers to reduce their on-site residential parking if they pay a fee to assist with downtown transportation improvements.

Planning commission will likely hold a public hearing on the parking requirements during its April meeting and then hold a later public hearing on the building height recommendations.

Discussions on changing building height and parking requirements in downtown Blaine have been ongoing since 2022, when some developers said they wouldn’t be able to get a good return on their investment with current zoning regulations. An ad hoc downtown advisory committee began discussing those requirements in January 2023, ultimately recommending the city reduce the required residential parking by half, build a municipal parking garage, and increase building heights if developers pay for extra amenities.

Planning commission, which has reviewed the ad hoc committee’s recommendations, is considering applying the building height recommendations to the downtown core, but excluding an area

near the Salishan neighborhood.

Under this plan, building heights could be increased by 12 feet. If developers want to increase the building height, they would be required to build affordable housing or pay a public improvement fee. Wenger told planning commission that even though other cities have a mandatory affordable housing clause, city staff wanted to give developers another option because some developers don’t know how to find subsidies to build affordable housing.

Residential parking changes would apply to the entire downtown, with additional parking relief for developers in the waterview district, which is mostly the west side of Peace Portal Drive. Developers could potentially opt for a 50 percent reduction in residential parking in the waterview district.

If developers want to reduce their on-site residential parking to a minimum amount set by the city, they would pay an in-lieu fee (See Planning, page 13)

spOrts

Blaine golf teams enjoy strong starts

Boys golf

Blaine boys golf started off the season hosting a home meet at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on March 14, facing off against a swath of Northwest Conference (NWC) rivals.

Cameron Saunders shot an 88, Ellis Griffin shot a 90, and Uno Navarez shot a 92 to lead the Borderites scorecards, placing third among eight teams.

The next week, the Borderites traveled to North Bellingham Golf Course on March 19 for its second match of the season.

Freshman Peyton Bouma, playing in his first varsity golf match, was a standout performer according to head coach Rick Shockey. Shockey said Bouma had one of the best first matches he’s ever seen from a Borderite golfer.

Griffin led the Borderites on the day, shooting an 83 and shaving seven strokes off his previous match at Semiahmoo.

“The kids are improving as we go along,” Shockey said. “We got two really good matches next week and the kids will improve week by week. I’m really excited to see how next week goes.”

The Borderites next meet will be held at Swinomish Golf Links in Anacortes on Tuesday, March 26, with first tee at 3 p.m.

Girls golf

Girls golf had a great day at the Skagit Golf and Country Club on March 18, placing second as a team among eight league teams.

The Borderites shot a 308 as a team, just six strokes shy of tying meet winners Burlington-Edison.

Blaine was led by standout individual performances from Ellie Tanjuaqio and Kijah VanRijswijck, taking first and second overall, respectively. Tanjuaqio shot a 51 and VanRijswijck shot a 52.

Along with the first and second-place finishers, Thora Engen shot a 65, Hannah Phelps-McDonald shot a 67, and Megan Rosenberger shot a 73.

The Borderites next league match will be its only home meet of the season, at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on Monday, March 25 at 3 p.m.

Girls tennis

With a new team with lots of young talent, Blaine girls tennis started their season at home against Squalicum on March 19. Although the Borderites weren’t able to pick up a win against a strong Storm team, ending with a 0-8 team score, head coach Amanda Dahl was encouraged by the team’s tenacity and effort.

“One of our strongest matches was Sara Olinger-Stirrat,” Dahl said. “She played a two hour match with the game score going back and forth throughout both sets. Her two sets ended with a score of 4-6 and 2-6, but the competition within those sets was solid.”

The tennis season is just getting started, with only three meets down, and the Borderites will host another home meet against Sehome on Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m.

Boys soccer

Boys soccer had an up and down week, blowing out Granite Falls 8-1 on March 16, then tying Cedar Park Christian 1-1 on March 18. Overall, it was a very successful start to the season for the Borderites, who started off the year with three consecutive home games.

In Blaine’s game against Granite Falls, goals were scored by five different Borderite players en route to the 8-1 blowout. Senior midfielder Xavier Blanco led the team with a hattrick, junior forward Blake Koreski scored twice, repeating his statline from the first game of the season, and sophomore Dima Yuryev, junior Isaiah Zuch and senior Armand

Gill all scored a goal each.

In the 1-1 draw to Cedar Park Christian, the Boderites gave up an early goal to a high-pressing attacking strategy, but Blaine’s young backline was able to adjust and not allow another goal. A wonderful individual run from Yuryev scored Blaine’s only goal, earning the draw.

Blaine currently sits at 2-0-1, and now face back-to-back road games, first against Sedro-Woolley on Thursday, March 21, then against South Whidbey on Saturday, March 23.

The conference schedule, or “the real season” as coach Gio Quesada likes to say, will begin

(Continued on next page)

s Senior Uno Navarez watches his approach shot during Blaine’s first golf meet of the season at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Photos by Nolan Baker

s Senior Sara Olinger-Stirrat serves to her Squalicum opponent in the first set of Blaine’s meet on March 19.

s Senior midfielder Xavier Blanco possesses the ball through a pair of Cedar Park Christian defenders on March 18. The game prior, Blanco scored three goals en route to an 8-1 win over Granite Falls.

(Continued from previous page)

when Blaine hosts Meridian at Borderite Stadium on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

Blaine

Gutierrez and Kieran Markunsen.

The Borderites haven’t allowed a single run from its opponents in the last three games, shutting out Mount Vernon Christian, Granite Falls, and Ferndale.

Blaine defeated NWC rival Ferndale 5-0 on March 19, and will travel to Bellingham to face

Sehome on Thursday, March 21 at 5:15 p.m. before hosting Overlake on Saturday, March 23 at noon.

EPA

BAY WATER

SEWER DISTRICT & THE CITY OF BLAINE

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

WaterSense

s Senior midfielder Armand Gill talks with the Borderite bench during the first half of Blaine’s 1-1 draw against Cedar Park Christian. Photo by Nolan Baker

Baseball

baseball started off the first five games of the season with a perfect 5-0 record, riding stellar pitching from starters Diego

formerly

Photo courtesy Gwynne Gruizenga-Top

Q: A:

Q: What is manual therapy and what are the benefits?

A: Manual therapy refers to a variety of hands-on techniques used by trained healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths, to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal conditions and pain. These techniques involve skilled manipulation and mobilization of joints, soft tissues, and muscles. Types of manual therapy include joint mobilizations, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilizations and trigger point release. There are many benefits to manual therapy including pain relief, improved joint mobility, increased flexibility, enhanced circulation, reduced muscle tension and improved posture. Finding a healthcare provider that incorporates manual therapies into your treatment plan will accelerate your healing and speed up the recovery process from injuries or surgery.

8097 Harborview Road Birch Bay, WA 98230 360-371-3888 • www.7elements.life

What are my options if I cannot afford a 20% down payment?

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.

Q:

Should I consider having tax planning done?

A: When clients at Skyline Advisors have complicated taxes, we find it crucial to have a tax planning strategy. Here are some key reasons to have a tax planning conversation with your advisor, which could include: a plan to reduce tax bills, stay in a lower tax bracket, find errors, plan Roth IRA conversions, find tax saving possibilities, spread income over numerous tax years, and keep clients Medicare cost low. Additionally, even with simplistic taxes, it is still beneficial to have your advisor look over your tax return to confirm there are no missed opportunities. At Skyline Advisors we can assist clients with tax planning and look forward to collaborating with clients’ accountants.

405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621

www.myskylineadvisor.com

Q: What are the most effective real estate marketing strategies?

A: Generally, the goal is to achieve the highest possible price, which hinges on market exposure. Utilizing a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an effective method to create buzz, as it enables a network of agents to share your listing with active potential buyers. Listings on the MLS can quickly amass views as they are syndicated across all real estate websites. Highquality professional photos are crucial to capture attention during these steps. Additionally, direct mail within a radius of the property can spark interest. Implementing targeted advertising on social media platforms and placing ads in the local newspaper are also essential. Don’t underestimate the power of physical signage, either. While it’s challenging to predict which specific method will ultimately attract that perfect buyer, the key lies in maximizing exposure by employing all available methods. If you’re looking to market your home most effectively, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more information visit mattberry.withwre.com

wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo

Deka Wiebusch

CFP® AIF® CRPC® FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS

Search ...

From page 8

with five of its six units, which included its dive team, fourwheeled vehicle rescue and communications.

WCSAR Council treasurer Gwynne Gruizenga-Top said the organization’s units need to work more collaboratively, especially

for natural disasters, such as the November 2021 floods in east Whatcom County.

“We saw the importance of individual units working together,” Gruizenga-Top said.

At the Saturday training, the first responders followed a scenario that a dementia patient wandered from their home in Semiahmoo and, both the missing person and a family member

Pet Paparazzi

looking for them, became lost in the woods.

The organization invited Blaine Police Department to the training to demonstrate how WCSAR could help, Gruizenga-Top said. WCSAR has previously assisted Blaine police with searches for people with dementia and dive searches.

WCSAR, which began as an unofficial organization in 1955,

is now a nonprofit supported by over 200 volunteers. The WCSAR Council governs the nonprofit and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office coordinates missions.

WCSAR requires its members to meet training requirements and pay for their equipment and supplies.

Blaine City Council approved giving WCSAR $10,000 of re -

imbursable expenses last September to help the nonprofit construct a new facility in Everson. The nonprofit is raising funds for the $1.9 million facility because its building is anticipated to be torn down in May for a new Whatcom County planning department and public works building. For more information on the organization, visit wcsar.org.

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness often spread through the bite of the black-legged tick. A bacterium known as borrelia burgdorferi is carried inside a tick and can be transmitted from the tick’s saliva into the bloodstream of an animal host, whether that host be a person, pet or wild animal.

Though it is often transmitted to humans, Lyme disease is less common in dogs, even after they’ve been bitten by an infected tick. A report published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found Lyme disease causes clinical symptoms in only 5 percent of dogs that contract the disease. Lameness, joint swelling, arthritis, depression, weight loss, and other appetite issues are noted as the most common symptoms.

No matter how large or small the risk for dogs acquiring Lyme disease may be, pet owners can employ various measures to prevent the illness from affecting their companion animals.

• Use a tick preventative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that pet owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best tick prevention products for their dogs. Most are broken

down into two classes: topical and oral. Topical tick preventatives are liquids placed on the skin or chemicals embedded in special collars. Oral medications are consumed and absorbed by the pet. There are pros and cons to both types, which warrants an honest discussion with a pet professional.

• Stick to trails. When walking dogs, keep to clearly identified and cleared trails and try to avoid tick-infested spots. Ticks are found in sandy, wooded and grassy areas. They find their way onto animals by detecting approaching motion and then crawling or dropping on to people or animals. Also, keep home yards mowed to cut down on tall grasses where ticks can hide.

• Physically remove ticks. Inspect dogs when they come inside from the yard or after walks in parks and elsewhere. Remove any ticks that you can find. Some may be quite small and hard to detect. Carefully remove embedded ticks to keep the tick’s mouth parts intact.

• Vaccinate against Lyme disease. Veterinarians offer Lyme disease vaccinations for dogs that are administered yearly.

Should an infected tick bite the dog, a vaccinated animal will be less likely to contract Lyme disease. VCA Animal Hospitals says vaccination is recommended for pets who live in endemic areas or travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

• Schedule wellness visits that include Lyme testing. Annual vaccines are necessary to maintain immunity to Lyme disease. Vets will often conduct blood tests to check for the presence of Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses during wellness visits. Should Lyme disease be present, an antibiotic, typically doxycycline, will be prescribed.

Lyme disease affects all types of animals. To keep dogs safe, pet owners can embrace a mix of preventative measures, including physical inspection, lifestyle changes and vaccination.

Submit

s Daisy and Donald ducks.

Photo by Jack Kintner

File photo

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 13, 2024 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: March 21, 2024

Name of Administrator:

JOSEPH FRANCIS STEFANELLI

Attorney for Administrators:

Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED March 13, 2024

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: JOSEPH FRANCIS STEFANELLI www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: WAYNE VICTOR ENGHOLM, Deceased. No. 24-4-00211-37

Richardson, WSBA #56339

Address for Mailing or Service:

North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 (360) 639-3393

Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com

DATED: March 14, 2024

True North Legal Services, PLLC

Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339

Attorney for Administrator:

Costle

in The Northern Light: March 14, March 21, March 28, 2024.

New

WA law will allow some property crimes to be classified as hate crimes

B y M ary M urphy , W a S tate J our N al

Some property crimes could soon be prosecuted as hate crimes in Washington state if they are racially motivated or target marginalized communities.

State senator Andy Billig (D-Spokane) said he was motivated to change what can be classified as a hate crime when vandals poured paint on LGBTQ+ pride sidewalks in Spokane last October. He said police began pursuing the incident as a hate crime but discovered property crimes were not included in hate crime statutes.

“That didn’t seem right,” Billig said. “I saw in our community how that crime caused fear and anger, and it just added to that frustration when it wasn’t able to be pursued.”

The bill states someone could be found guilty of a hate crime if they maliciously and intentionally committed an act against the perception of another person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or mental, physical or sensory disability.

Others in support of the bill referenced increased Islamophobia, antisemitism, and a specific incident in Seattle’s international district where windows of the Wing Luke Museum, which focuses on culture and art of Asian Pacific Americans, were smashed last fall.

A bill starting a statewide hate crime hotline was also approved this legislative session, sponsored by state senator Javier Valdez (D-Seattle). The hotline will be overseen by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and replicates similar programs in California and Oregon.

Miri Cypers, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League PNW, pushed to create the hotline and said a hate crime recently impacted her.

“This Thanksgiving my synagogue was targeted with hateful graffiti covering the entire building, sending ripple effects of fear throughout our community,” Cypers said. “When my kids and I attend services or Hebrew school, we now have to traverse barricades and armed guards to enter the building. This is our reality. The problem of hate is urgent.”

The FBI reports Washington had 590 hate crimes in 2022, 651 in 2021 and 462 in 2020. Though data for more recent years are not yet available, persons testifying perceived an increase in hate crime in their communities, especially since last fall.

The bill mandates that the person who reported the incident to the hotline must consent before their identity is released to law enforcement. The laws will go into effect in June.

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

OBITUARIES

Rudolph Donald Frick

July 3 1953 – February 26, 2024

Don lost his battle with cancer on February 26, 2024. He loved life and wanted more time to finish all his projects. He fought hard to get all the time he did get. Don was a man of many, many interests. He loved boating, gardening, blacksmithing, saw milling, Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood Oregon, creating things and building whatever. He even wanted to put a narrow gauge railroad around the property.

Don was born July 3, 1953 in Eugene, OR. He moved to Blaine with his family and attended Blaine schools, graduating in 1971. He then went to Clark Community College in Vancouver, WA and got his AA in drafting. After moving back to Whatcom County he worked 22 years for the Arco Refinery at Cherry Point, then opened Fricks Forge. He did the blacksmithing for 10 years and then went to work at Western Washington University in the steam plant for eight years and then retired but never slowed down when it came to his projects. He created more than he finished thus he was known as “The King of Unfinished Projects”

Don is survived by his wife Nancy of 36 years, sister Marilee and brother Tom (wife Teresa) as well as several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held this summer.

Rest in peace my love.

Planning ...

From page 5

that would go toward transportation improvements downtown. Blaine City Council would set the one-time fee and could adjust annually based on demand. Developers who build to current parking standards wouldn’t pay the parking mitigation fee.

The planning commission supported sunsetting the parking reductions when about 120 parking stalls were transferred from private property into the public right-of-way as a means of capping the number of private residential parking on the rightof-way. The first batch of stalls would be less expensive than the last batch transferred into the public right-of-way, which Wenger said would incentivize developers to participate earlier in downtown development.

Commissioners also voiced that, based on a recent parking study, the city does not need a municipal parking garage right now but would give recommendations to increase parking in high-trafficked areas and plan for future parking.

Transpo Group, which the city hired for a downtown parking study, presented their findings during the March 14 meeting.

The group surveyed downtown

Edgar Schmeisser

January 2, 1934 – January 28, 2024

Edgar, formerly of Edmonds, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2024. He was an extraordinary man who lived an amazing life. As the oldest child of three, he overcame severe deprivation and the harsh conditions of eastern Germany during World War II. He went on to work for the field service of Ford Motor Company of Europe, after his family fled the East, and later became a successful Ford dealer in Lorrach on the Swiss border.

Edgar was born at home on January 2, 1934, in the small village of Langenwetzendorf, East Germany. He had a younger brother and sister, Siegfried and Waltraud. Their parents Arno and Frieda both worked at Zeiss Optical walking five miles each way to Zeiss. When war broke out their father was conscripted as a mountain paratrooper, although not a Nazi. He was later captured by the Russians in 1944 and forced to work in Siberia in a lead mine. The family suffered greatly during this time, especially under Russian occupation; Edgar and Siegfried had to steal food and firewood from nearby farms and woods to survive. His family did not know that their father was still alive until he was released from Russia in December 1951 and returned to Zeiss for his old job in the patent office. The doctor who examined him told him secretly that they planned to put him to work in a uranium mine. Arno told his family that they would leave on a train the next day with one suitcase each. The Berlin Wall had not yet been built. They took a train to Berlin, travelling in two separate groups so they would not be suspected of escaping. The Americans ultimately flew them to the West, where they landed in Cologne and set up a new life. Edgar was apprenticed at Ford and worked his way up to own a Ford dealership in Germany. He began his love affair with America in 1959 when Ford sent him for training to the U.S., and he travelled across the country.

A lifelong skier from the age of five, Edgar’s other athletic accomplishments were legendary. An avid tennis player until his early 80s, he also learned to sail, both on Swiss lakes and the North Sea, and he survived an Atlantic hurricane with four friends when the boat capsized and rolled 360 degrees off the coast of Africa. He also ski mountaineered and summited many of the Alps. In his late 50s he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He also soloed Mt. Rainier in his early 60s after moving to Washington. He took up golf in his mid-80s with his partner of 28 years, Gwynne, in Birch Bay Village, where they lived.

Blaine 1-3 p.m. on a Wednesday and Saturday this winter, finding that downtown parking spaces were only at 34-35 percent capacity both days. Around 85 percent of filled parking spaces is when cities should add more parking, said Dan McKinney, principal at Transpo Group.

However, some areas around the downtown core, especially around restaurants and retail space, neared or exceeded the 85 percent capacity threshold, according to the study. Peace Portal Drive, between Marine Drive and Martin Street, as well as H and Martin streets next to Peace Portal Drive were observed to have consistently higher parking occupancy.

Transpo Group said it could not conclude whether the city had enough parking for summer or special events based on its study.

The Transpo Group representatives said they didn’t see a need for more parking, and instead, the city could add more striping, including to a public lot near Martin Street.

The CDS Department is in the process of scheduling a community open house and presentation to the Salishan neighborhood on the zoning proposals. After holding the hearings, planning commission will eventually send its recommendations to Blaine City Council, which will make the final decision.

His infectious smile, debonair outfits, stories, and sweet spirit were unparalleled. Some of his happiest memories were when the U.S. tanks liberated his German town and a GI gave him his first chocolate bar after years and first chewing gum ever, and the proud day he became a U.S. citizen in 2002.

The memory of his smile, love and kindness will live on in his survivors: three children, Frank of Bellingham, Jorg (Susan) of Kodiak, AK, and Ellen of Hamburg, Germany; grandchildren Justin (Kayla) of Dillon, MT, Len of Hamburg, Germany, Mitchell and Jessica; nephews, Marc of Stuttgart, Germany, Volker (Tina) of Stetten, Germany, Olaf Hoffmann; nieces, Silke and Meike Schmeisser, Britta Hoffmann; and cousin, Christina Anders of Griez, Germany. He is also survived by Gwynne’s children Megan (John) Ellingsen, Sarah (Matt) Rose and Joshua Briggs and grandchildren, Emma Ellingsen, Kate, Spencer and Warren Rose. Edgar, Gwynne and family shared many laughs and sunny and wintry adventures, sailing, skiing, and tennis. A private memorial for family and friends will be held this summer at Birch Bay Community Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Whatcom Hospice at 2800 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Mary Larson Dahl “Mom Mom” 1936 – 2024

The space in between those dates were filled with true love and adventure, building homes, creating family and blessing lives with a “spicy personality!” With a warm heart, our family would share Mom Mom’s passing to be with her true love, Ken Dahl “Pop Pop.” To all our friends and family and friends unknown. “Hello the Camp,” she is home.

Deep gratitude to Signature Home Care and Hospice in-home team.

s Blaine Planning Commission during its March 14 meeting at city hall.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

sheriff’s repOrts

March 10, 9:04 a.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay Drive.

March 10, 2:41 p.m.: Missing person on Birch Bay Drive.

March 10, 5:34 p.m.: Liquor law violation on Valley View Road.

March 10, 8:13 p.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

March 10, 8:54 p.m.: Shots on Behme Road.

March 11, 2:30 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on East Street.

March 11, 7:57 a.m.: Mental health check on Cedar Street.

March 11, 9:12 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Oakridge Drive.

March 11, 10:14 a.m.: Theft cold call on Spooner Creek Lane.

March 12, 1:07 p.m.: Domestic – physical cold call on Haynie Road.

March 12, 3:15 p.m.: Assault – simple on Custer School Road.

March 12, 6:36 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Sehome Road.

March 12, 8:24 p.m.: Assault – simple on Haynie Road.

March 12, 10:16 p.m.: Theft cold call on Bayshore Road.

March 13, 8:51 a.m.: Theft cold call on Treevue Road.

March 13, 10:42 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Maple Crest Avenue.

March 13, 4:01 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Kickerville Road.

March 13, 5:07 p.m.: Welfare check on East Street.

March 14, 8:47 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Willeys Lake Road.

March 14, 11:49 a.m.: Domestic – physical cold call on Helweg Lane.

March 14, 10:55 p.m.: Overdose on East Street.

pOLiCe repOrts

March 9, 5:54 p.m.: Rape on H Street.

March 9, 8:15 p.m.: Civil problem on Alder Street.

March 11, 8:32 p.m.: Serve warrant on Sweet Road.

March 12, 3:28 p.m.: Welfare check on Bell Road.

March 12, 10:53 p.m.: Hot rod on E Street.

March 13, 12:30 a.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street.

March 13, 1:48 a.m.: Theft on

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS

1.

(abbr.)

14. Human gene

15. Two

16. A famous one is blue

18. Utter repeatedly

22. Ring-shaped objects

23. Spoils

24. Occurs

26. Commercial

27. Near

28. Products you may need

30. Pledge thrown down as a challenge

31. TV network

34. Silk or cotton garments

36. Soviet Socialist Republics

37. Retired American football coach Dean

39. Hot dish

40. A type of gin

41. Atomic #84

42. Sawhorse

48. About ground

50. Medicine man

51. Seedless raisin

52. Capital of Albania

53. Appendage

54. OJ trial judge

55. By the way (abbr.)

56. Bicycle parts

58. Barbie’s friend

59. Moved one’s neck to see

60. Commercials

DOWN

1. Make up for

2. Baltimore ballplayer

3. Salary

4. Influential world body

5. Engravers

6. Declared as fact

7. One who steals

8. Jewelry

9. Hospital employee (abbr.)

12. Nonsense (slang)

13. Town in Galilee

17. Value

19. A fake name

20. Sheep in their second year

21. Town in Surrey, England

25. Appropriate for a particular time of year

29. Creative works

31. Recesses

32. W. Pacific island group

33. Tolkien character

35. Ancient symbol co-opted by the Nazi party

38. Pioneer

41. Scribe

43. Painted a bright color

44. Lowest mem -

Coming up

March Madness Open House: Wednesdays–Saturdays through March, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center boutique, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Info: thebridgehope.com.

Community Breakfast: Saturdays, 8–11 a.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. All-you-can-eat pancakes $5, kids 4 and under get free pancakes. Other breakfast items available for purchase. Hosted by G.O.A.T. Sandwiches. Info: 360/296-4204. Portion of proceeds benefits the American Legion.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Thursday, March 21, 11:30 a.,m.–1 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Speakers: Carl Perkins and Lisa Lindsey of Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery. Lunch $14, catered by G.O.A.T Sandwiches. RSVP: birchbaychamber.com.

Blaine Chamber Networking Happy Hour: Thursday, March 21, 4–5:30 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Enjoy an evening of camaraderie, laughter, and connections. No host. Info: blainechamber.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: The Office. Info: thevaultwine.com.

E Street.

March 13, 10:57 a.m.: Assault – simple on H Street.

March 13, 1:03 p.m.: Assault – simple on H Street.

March 14, 9:38 a.m.: Bomb threat on H Street.

March 14, 11:20 a.m.: Rape on B Street.

March 14, 1:05 p.m.: Threat on Peace Portal Drive.

March 14, 3:26 p.m.: Rape on B Street.

bers of British nobility

45. Actress Thurman

46. Type of sugar

47. Crest of a hill

49. N. American people of British Columbia

56. Device

57. The Mount Rushmore State

tides

21-27 at Blaine.

Blaine Community Theater Presents: Terry Pratchett’s Lords and Ladies: Friday and Saturday, March 22-23 and 29-30 at 7 p.m., Sundays, March 24 and 31 at 2 p.m., Blaine High School orange and black box theater (entrance behind Borderite Stadium). Adults $17, seniors and students $14, children $12. Info and to pre-purchase tickets: blainecommunitytheater.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 22, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Free Harmony. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, March 23, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Lunch available for $8 at 11:30 a.m. Info: 360/332-8040.

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Kids 10 and under hunt candy-filled eggs. Refreshments and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Blood On the Clocktower: Saturday, March 23, 1–4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Play this engaging and addictive social deduction game. It’s very new-player friendly where you learn as you play. Each game lasts around 60-90 minutes. Refreshments. Space is limited. Registration is required at wcls.org.

Animals as Natural Therapy Annual Gala and Auction: Saturday, March 23, 5:30–9 p.m., Silver Reef Casino. Champagne welcome, vegetarian or salmon dinner, live and silent auctions, costume contest, line dancing, live horses and more. Tickets $95. Info and tickets: animalsasnaturaltherapy.org/auction/.

Winter Soil and Jumpstarting Your Garden: Wednesday, March 27, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. How to build your soil, winter protection and best planting practices for healthy year round harvests. Starting seeds for transplanting to the outdoors and how to do it.

Sip and Paint: Wednesday, March 27, 6:30–8:30 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro. Enjoy an evening of painting. Instruction and all paint supplies included. $35 plus $20 minimum food/drink purchase. Space is limited. Reservations: 360/392-0955.

Vision Boards: A Focused Approach to What You Want!: Thursdays, March 28 and April 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Create a vision board in this art workshop and explore what you want in this life. Two-part workshop with Pete. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Vaccine Clinic: Friday, March 29, 9 a.m.–noon, Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street. The Blaine Food Banks is partnering with Whatcom State Department of Health offering new Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (adult and pediatric), flu vaccines (adult and pediatric), childhood vaccines, mpox vaccine, blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, Naloxone kits. Pre-registration at bit.ly/4a2j9t5 is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Please bring proof of insurance and vaccine card, if available.

Karaoke: Friday, March 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Free and open to the community. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Marine Park. Egg hunt plus donuts, bounce house and games. Free. Sponsored by Blaine CTK. taylora@ctk.church. info: ctk.church/blaine.

Where Visions Meet: Saturday, March 30, 10–11 a.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Gail Longo will screen her short documentary film, a historical account of two women, Ellen Swallow Richards, and Dr. Maria Montessori, both pioneering activists and scientists who initiated health education for the public during a time of global industrial expansion, overcrowding, and the spread of contagious disease. Info: wcls.org.

53rd Annual Blaine Softball Crab Feed: Saturday, March 30, 6:30–8 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Must be 21 or older. Beer and crab, silent and live auctions, raffle. For Tickets call 360-6615868. Benefits Blaine High School girls softball team.

Life Line Screening: Wednesday, April 3, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Learn about your risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions. Package pricing starts at $159. Preregistration required at 877/237-1287 or lifelinescreenng.com.

WeAther

Precipitation: During the period of March 11 to March 17, 0.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-todate precipitation is 10.4 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 68.7°F on March 17 with a low of 34.6°F on March 14. Average high was 59.1°F and average low was 38.6°F.

Community Dinner: Wednesday, April 3, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. $5. Sponsored by Silverado Memory Care Community. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Sauerkraut and Fermented Veggies: Wednesday, April 3, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn the basics of fermentation and how to make crispy sauerkraut in your kitchen. Info: nwcore.org.

Blaine Chamber of Commerce Breakfast: Thursday, April 4, 7:30–8:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. $15. RSVP: blainechamber.com.

Live Music with Jaded Lovers: Friday, April 5, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Playing country and rock classics, line dancing and more. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Working Waterfront Coalition Fundraiser: Saturday, April 20, 5:30 p.m., Bellingham Ferry Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham. Live and silent auction, Drayton Harbor Oyster bar, photo booth, seafood buffet by Crave Catering. Old Hollywood Theme - dress for the red carpet from the 1920s-40s or come as you are. Tickets $95 at https://bit.ly/3x11vqW.

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

Wings Over Water celebrates 21st annual festival

The Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival took over Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo for its

21st annual event March 15-17.

Events included an opening reception, bird watching field trips, an all-

day birding expo, nature walks and more. For more information, visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Photo by Debbie Harger

Photo by Debbie Harger

Photo by Debbie Harger

Photo by Debbie Harger

Photo by Debbie Harger

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Ruth Lauman

WINGS OVER WATER 2024 SPONSORS

The 21st Annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival would like to thank all the generous sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and friends for making the 2024 festival another success!

Alex Jeffers

Alison Henshaw

Amy Brightman

Banner Bank

Beach Cat Brewery

Beach Cat Prints

Bellingham Food Co-op

Bill Brooks

Birch Bay Realty

Birch Bay Historical Society

Blanche Burch

Brian Solomon

Carroll Solomon*

Chris Brewer, NCAS*

Chuck Kinzer*

Dave Foreman

Bob and Lois Franco

360-922-2447

WINGS OVER WATER 2024 SUPPORTERS, FRIENDS & VOLUNTEERS

David Drummond, NCAS

Debbie Harger*

Diane Major

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company

Ellen Clark

Ethel Stephens*

Eric Ellingson, NCAS

Gary and Renate Thomsic

Gayle Stebbings, NCAS

GLM Winery

Gregory Green

Helen Dolejsi, NCAS

Holly Roger, Wild Whatcom

John & Jane Aspnes, NCAS

Joe Meche

John Horner, NCAS

Josiah Chase, NCAS

Joy of Pilates & Friends

Justin Bajema, NCAS

Karen Topham

Kate Kohut, Wild Whatcom

Keith Carpenter, NCAS

Laurie Potter

Laura Nesse, BBBPRD2

Linda & Jim Cline, BBBPRD2

Lummi Fishery Supply

Lyle Anderson, NCAS

Lynne Givler, NCAS

Martha Jordan

Marjorie Leon, NCAS

Marsha Kolinski, NCAS

Mary Jensen

Matt Vann

Mike Price

Na Major

Nam Major

Nancy Taylor

NWcascades.com

Pacific Builders

Pam Borso, NCAS

Patrick Alesse

Paul Woodcock, NCAS

Pauline Sterin, NCAS

Propack, Inc

Outer Island Expeditions

Rachel Rothberg, NCAS

Rae Edwards, NCAS

Robert & Deborah Kaye, NCAS

Sonia Hurt*

Stephen Chase, NCAS

Terry Galvin

Terry Wiederhold

The C Shop

Wayne Diaz*

West Marine

Whatcom Law Group

Wild Bird Chalet

Yeagers

Swarovski Optics

Venessa Story, NCAS

See you in 2025 for the 22nd Annual Wings Over Water Birding Festival wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com