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14 ways to celebrate Halloween in Blaine and Birch Bay By Grace McCarthy
s The Blaine Chamber of Commerce hosted a Blaine candidate forum on October 17 at the Blaine Community/Senior Center. From l.; Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, moderated Blaine City Council candidates Eric Photo by Grace McCarthy Lewis and Jiggy Sorrell, as well as other candidates, during the Friday evening event.
Unopposed November candidates give top priorities for Blaine and Birch Bay By Grace McCarthy The Northern Light asked candidates for uncontested races representing the Blaine and Birch Bay areas in the November 4 general election one simple question: How do you plan to serve constituents in Blaine and Birch Bay? The candidates for Blaine City Council, Blaine school board, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, Port of Bellingham and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 provided the following written responses. Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 1 Michael Alvarez Shepard Incumbent Michael Alvarez Shepard is running unopposed for the Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 1 position. The four-year position represents southern Whatcom County through part of Bellingham and just south of Deming. Shepard has served two terms on the port commission and is a faculty member of Western Washington University’s anthropology department. Answer: The Port of Bellingham has a mission for county-wide economic de-
velopment. The port operates marinas in Blaine, Fairhaven and Bellingham, along with the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, in support of a vibrant marine trades economy. Other key port services include the airport, our light industrial and commercial real estate lands, workforce development pathways, broadband internet installation, environmental cleanups, and redevelopment of Bellingham’s Waterfront District. Blaine Harbor provides essential services for the Blaine and Birch Bay communities and has an excellent opportunity for expanded job creation, tourism and community enjoyment. Over the next budget period, the port plans to spend nearly $50 million to complete environmental cleanups in Blaine Harbor, upgrade infrastructure, reopen the boatyard and reopen Jorgensen Pier for public access. I am excited to complete the cleanups as they will enable the expansion of marine trades businesses. The redeveloped boatyard will have a public-run boatlift and quality repair facilities. Jorgensen Pier is a treasured facility for the community, and it is past time to invest in
improved public access. I appreciate that the lack of Canadian visitors has created a significant economic challenge. This underscores the importance of investment by our public port to support Blaine and Birch Bay. Blaine City Council At-Large Position 7 Sarbie Bains Incumbent Sarbie Bains is the only (See Candidates, page 15)
INSIDE
Spooky season has descended upon Blaine and Birch Bay, bringing with it plenty of activities for both children and adults alike to have a thrilling time. Here are 14 ways to celebrate leading up to Halloween on Friday, October 31. • HomeFarm pumpkin patch: HomeFarm is a one-stop shop for fall activities in Birch Bay with a pumpkin patch, farm store, corn maze and pigs. Activities ramp up on the weekends with concessions, face painting and tractor train rides. The farm is open the following hours through Friday, October 31: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. HomeFarm is located at 8020 Kickerville Road. For more information, visit homefarm.farm. • Witch hat-making party: When deciding “witch” Halloween event to attend, there’s one that’s sure to stand out to spell-casters. Lisa Starcevic will host a witch hat-making party 2-5 p.m. Friday, October 24 at Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. For $40, materials and snacks are included. For more information or to sign up, visit bit.ly/47Anyoa. • Halloween disco party: Groovy goblins of all ages can work it out on the dance floor during Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Halloween disco party 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 24 at Blaine Community/Senior Center, 763 G Street. Tickets cost $5 for children and $10 for adults. For tickets, visit bit.ly/4qnomEk. • Trick-or-Treat on the Berm: Hundreds – if not thousands – of children dressed in their spookiest costumes are expected to fill their bags with candy from community groups during the Trick-or-Treat on the Berm event 3-5 p.m. Saturday, October 25. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 5th annual event is scheduled rain or shine. The route will begin on the southern end of the berm, near Terrell Creek, and end near the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express at 7949 Birch Bay Drive. The library will have games and a costume contest. For more information, visit birchbaychamber.com. • Gateway tarot card reading: Gateway1890 Taphouse & Grill will host a tarot card reading from Blaine resident Russell Chan 6-9 p.m. Saturday, October 25 in the restaurant’s Smuggler’s Tunnel speakeasy, 429 Peace Portal Drive. Chan is a certified medium who has conducted readings for the Los Angeles Police Department. The event follows Chan’s book signing and presentation at 6 p.m. Friday, October 24 at Village Books in Fairhaven, 1200 11th Street, suite 201. In addition to the tarot reading, Gateway’s speakeasy is decorated to the nines (See Halloween, page 3)
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