Foothills Gazette » March 12-25

NVHS Improv Night to benefit breast cancer research

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:59:24 +0000

by Stephanie Kosonen
EVERSON – Work equals play in some instances, such as in one local high schooler’s choice for her senior project.
A love for improv has sent Nooksack Valley High School student Tessa McLeod sailing easily through a graduation requirement that looms at the end of many high school careers: the senior project.
The project is close to her heart because she has decided to give all the proceeds to breast cancer research. Fortunately now in remission, McLeod’s mother was diagnosed with cancer about two and a half years ago.
She said after seeing someone experience that fight, she really wanted to have a fundraiser to help others in the same situation.
McLeod has been active in the NVHS drama department since her freshman year, and said the idea of directing a stage performance was the first thing that popped into her head when she needed a topic for her project.
Improv is a quick-thinking form of acting where there is no script, just a spontaneously suggested scene. It grew in popularity when the TV show “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” became well-known.
McLeod said that is her favorite TV show to watch.
Her mentor, drama teacher Scott Gelwicks, said the high school has been trying to put on a couple improv performances per year.
This one will be especially worth seeing, he said. “These kids are very good at it; I think they’re very talented.”
Participants will be current and past NVHS students, McLeod said. She hand-picked 10 of the funniest people she has seen doing this type of acting.
It will make her job easier on the night of the show. She said she’ll probably just make sure they’re relaxed and lead them through some easy warm-ups.
“They’re usually the masters — they’re all better than me so they’re pretty good at it,” she said.
McLeod has been busy advertising for the performance, and organizing donations so there will be refreshments before and after the show.
She said she has had to explain what improv is to quite a few people during the process, but that in general, people at the high school have had enough exposure to it to know what to expect.
“You have two or three participants on stage and they’ll be given a scene, usually given by the audience,” she said. Then the actors “ad-lib” and take the scene wherever their imaginations allow.
“So yeah, it definitely is always taking u-turns and everything,” McLeod said.
It’s a nerve-wracking feeling to prepare to take the stage without any set lines to say, she said. “I always get nervous before every time I go on, because I always think, ‘Oh, I’m not going to be funny,’” she said.
Gelwicks will host the event. He said he looks forward to what the kids come up with on the spot during their various scenes.
“It’s safe to say Tessa is one of the funniest females we’ve ever had go through Nooksack,” he said, adding, “one of the funniest kids we’ve ever had go through here.”
Mentoring McLeod through the project has been a breeze, he said. “Tessa’s very on top of it — she’s a good student,” he said. “It was just a matter of, ‘When do you want to do it and who’s going to do it with you,’ and I think she’s come up with a pretty good cast of characters, including some alumni,” Gelwicks said.

CALENDAR: Community events

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:56:38 +0000

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

Free Community Pancake Breakfast: The Mount Baker Lions Club will be offering its free Community Pancake Breakfast from 8–11 a.m. at Kendall Elementary School. All are welcome from the community.

Whatcom Farm Forestry Association Tree Sale: 10 a.m. to noon at the Lynden Fair Grounds, Henry Jansen Ag Center. Fifteen types of trees are available, including pine, cedar, fir and spruce varieties, for 85 cents each. For more information, call 332-5803.

Growing Apples and Pears: Free workshop will discuss planting, growing techniques, and pruning of apples and pears. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cloud Mountain Farm, Goodwin Road, Everson. Call 966-5859.

Rubber Band Mania! There are so many amazing things to do and make with rubber bands. Join Laurie Dawson and see for yourself! For ages five and up. 10:30 a.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr., Everson. Call 966-5100.

Music Extravaganza! Learn how to play the recorder and make a rubber band guitar. With Ellen Dodson. For ages 5 and up. 10:30 a.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming. Call 592-2422.

Growing Stone Fruits: Free workshop will discuss planting, growing and pruning techniques for cherries, plums, peaches and apricots in our maritime climate. 1:30 p.m. To 3 p.m. Cloud Mountain Farm, Goodwin Road, Everson. Call 966-5859.

Bead ‘Soup’ Bracelet Class: 3–6 p.m. at Mountainside Gardens, 6900 Mount Baker Highway. Join instructor Aly Brown and learn the peyote stitch and design a bracelet with the color and bead combination of your choice. Cost is $30, plus materials fee of $5 – $10. Call 599-2890 or visit www.mountainsidegardens.com.

Glacier Public Service Center Seasonal Closure: Last day of winter season for Glacier Public Service Center, just east of Glacier. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Will reopen some time in May. Permits, trail conditions, books. Call 599-2714.

Northwest WA Steelheaders Benefit Auction: Deming Log Show Grounds, doors open at 4 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m., followed by auctions. $25 per person or $45 per couple. For more information, call Dave at 220-0067.

Spoonshine: Live music at Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. Call 599-1964.

Hambone: Saturday, March 13. Music at Club 542, Nooksack River Casino. Starts at 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

Northwest Singles Club St. Patrick’s Celebration: 5 – 9 p.m. Bobby Lee’s, Main Street, Everson. Members and potential members welcome. Ages 21 and up. Call 201-7373.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

24th Annual Spring Craft & Antique Show: Featuring over 100 artisans at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shop for handcrafted gifts, home décor, garden and vintage treasures. Food and espresso available in the Garden Café. Ongoing entertainment. General admission is $5 with return privileges, free parking. For a list of vendors and additional details visit www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com.

Bent Grass: Live music from this local band. Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. Call 599-1964.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

Childrens Art Class: For kids ages 9 – 13. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Mountainside Gardens, 6900 Mount Baker Highway. The cost is $25 per child. Instructor Janet Bergstrom will use different materials and techniques, and a lot of time is allowed for each artist to play and create. Call 599-2890.

Kendall PTO Community Potluck: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Kendall Elementary. All welcome from the community. Bring a dish to share.

24th Annual Spring Craft & Antique Show: See March 18.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

Gardening with Northwest Native Plants: Free workshop includes which plants to use to encourage wildlife, beautify problem areas, and take the work out of gardening. 10:30 a.m. to noon.Cloud Mountain Farm, Goodwin Road, Everson. Call 966-5859.

Creative Writing Workshop II: Author Susan Colleen Browne provides tips for writing your memoir. Cost is $35 per person. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sudden Valley Adult Center. Call (360) 714-8901 or e-mail cdleeper@hotmail.com.

24th Annual Spring Craft & Antique Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Uncanny Valley: Live music at Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. Call 599-1964.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23

Open Mic: All welcome. Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. Call 599-1964.

UPCOMING

Friends of the Everson Library Used Book Sale: Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 per bag from 3 – 4 p.m. Sale located in the alley off of Kirsch Drive, behind Peoples Bank. Call 966-5100.

Mt. Baker Co-Op Preschool Annual Fundraiser & Plant Sale: Saturday, March 27. More than 20 families participating. Lots of items in good condition! Clothes, toys, books, household items, plants and much more! Early bird special for $5 from 8 – 9 a.m. Regular sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. van Zandt Community Hall. ;

Lake Whatcom Railway Easter Train: Saturday, March 27. Trip leaves at 12 noon. Advanced reservations only. For ticket info, call 595-2218 or visit www.lakewhatcomrailway.com.

J-Bunny Rabbit at Blue Mountain Grill: Saturday, March 27. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Candy for the kids. Blue Mountain Grill, 974 Valley Highway, Acme. Call 595-2200.

Pioneer Stories of Whatcom County: Saturday, March 27. Troy Luginbill, Director of the Lynden Pioneer Museum, will present Pioneer Stories of Whatcom County at 3 p.m. in the Everson McBeath Community Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. Hear the Tale of Hans Berthusen and the Bear, the Missing Whiskey and the Cranberry Wedding. Call 966-5100.

Yarn Workshop: Saturday, March 27. Come learn to knit or crochet, or work on your own project, and enjoy the community of other enthusiasts. Materials available to use. 10 a.m. to noon. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

Lee Mann: A Photographer’s Journey Through the North Cascades: Saturday, March 27. North Cascades National Park. Cost is $95 per person. Lee Mann will share his favorite images and stories of a lifetime spent bringing people closer to nature through photography in the North Cascades. Call (360) 856-5700 to register.

Spring Potluck and Seed & Plant Exchange: Sunday, March 28. 3 p.m. Van Zandt Community Hall. Poppy Seed Toss, bring seeds to plant onto the septic system mound. Seed and Plant Exchange Demo: How to make paper seedling pots. Potluck begins at 5 p.m. All welcome to this South Fork Valley Community Association event.

Scooby Doo Party! Tuesday, March 30. 3:45 p.m. Maple Falls Library. Celebrate all your favorite Scooby Doo characters with games, crafts, and Scooby Snacks. With Tammy LaPlante. For kids of all ages. Call 599-2020.

Alien Invasion! Wednesday, March 31, 3:30 p.m. Sumas Library, 451 2nd Street. See what happens when aliens invade the library. With Catherine Sarette. For ages 5 and up. Call 988-2501.

ONGOING

Bingo in Sumas: Proceeds benefit veterans, charities and local scholarships. Sumas American Legion Hall, 134 Harrison St. Sundays at 12:40 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays at 6:40 p.m. Call 966-4971.

Deming Library: Open Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

Everson Library: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday. 104 Kirsch Drive, Everson. Call 966-5100.

Everson Senior Center: March schedule: 3/17: 12 noon, St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, 12:30 p.m., Luck of the Irish Party – games & prizes; 3/26: 9:15 a.m., Pool Tournament, 12 noon, Birthday Lunch, 12:30 p.m. Carol Simmer shares healthy soup recipes and chocolate. Water Color Classes on 3/19, 3/24, and 3/31 at 12:45 p.m. 3/31: 12:30 p.m., Speaker with information on the Gate Keeper Program, the advocacy group for seniors. Ongoing schedule is the same. Hot lunch at noon. Cost is $3 – $5.50 by donation. Membership dues $10 a year. Open Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 111 W. Main St., Everson. Call 966-3144.

Karaoke & Piano Bar: Karaoke every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. Piano Bar every Sunday at 6 p.m. Bobby Lee’s, 108 W. Main Street, Everson. Call 966-8838.

Karaoke: Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ages 21+. El Nopal, 420 Cherry Street, Sumas. Call 988-0305.

Knit Night at Deming Library: Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. All welcome. 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming. Call 592-2422.

Maple Falls Library: Open Tues. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7509 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 599-2020.

Maple Falls Sew and Sews (quilt group) meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 at Kendall Elementary School. Quilters of all skill levels are encouraged to join. For more information, call Kathleen at 392-8717.

Kept in Stitches: Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Everson-McBeath Library, 104 Kirsch Dr., Everson. For more information, call 966-5100.

Preschool Storytime: A half-hour of stories and more for preschoolers. Deming Library: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Everson Library: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Maple Falls Library: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Sumas Library: Mondays, 11 a.m.

Sumas Senior Center: Lunch available Monday and Friday. All welcome. Call 988-2714 for potluck dates, lunch menu. 461 2nd Street, Sumas.

Sumas Library: Open Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m. 451 2nd Street, Sumas. Call 988-2501.

Sumas Library Knit Night: Enjoy conversation while working on needle crafts. Mondays 6-7:30 p.m. Free, open to the public. Call 988-2501.

Welcome Valley Senior Center: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5103 Mosquito Lake Road, Deming. Call 592-5403 for events and lunch menu.

Wickersham Bookmobile: Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Little Brown Chapel, Wickersham and Royer Streets. Visit wcls.org.

The Write Idea: A writing and discussion club for authors of all ages. Bring pen/pencil, paper, and ideas. Thursdays, from 4-6 p.m. at the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, 966-5100.

Seed & Plant Exchange, potluck set in Van Zandt

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:49:38 +0000

VAN ZANDT – The South Fork Valley Community Association is sponsoring an event on Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at Van Zandt Community Hall. A poppy seed toss, seed and plant exchange, and demonstration on how to make paper seedling pots will be held. Participants should bring seeds to plant onto the septic system mound. The potluck begins at 5 p.m. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome from the community.

Grand opening of Everson Community Garden on March 27

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:49:03 +0000

EVERSON – The Everson Community Garden will hold its grand opening on Saturday, March 27 from noon to 2 p.m. Residents can grow their own vegetables or team up with a friend to have a plot on site. Experienced gardeners will be on hand to offer advice and tips, and tools, seeds and plants will be shared. Participants should being a lunch. Activities will take place across from the Everson Library. A number of volunteer opportunities are available for those in the community.

4-H group lends helping hand in cemetery clean-up

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:48:14 +0000

by Stephanie Kosonen
ACME – The Saxon Cemetery got a post-winter clean-up on Saturday, March 6 courtesy in part of the Foothills 4-H Club.
Members of the club, who are between the ages of 11 and 16, helped with the community service project, filling several truckloads of wind-blown evergreen limbs and other debris that had been strewn about the cemetery grounds throughout the winter.
The volunteer work is essential in keeping the cemetery, which is also known as the Acme Cemetery, maintained because funding is low, said Cemetery District 1 commissioner Terri Maleng. The district is grateful for the boost from the Foothills 4-H, she said. “I was impressed that they did as well as they did,” Maleng said. “I didn’t think there was five or six pick-up loads full of branches out there and there was.”
The district collects revenue from a small levy that generates about $1,200 per year, said commissioner Candy Roberts. Other than that, the cemetery runs on cemetery plot sales, she said. The budget must fund a secretary and year-long maintenance, she added. The district has had recent talks about possibly asking the community for another levy, she said.
“I’m not sure if we’re going to go in that direction. We didn’t talk about it at our last meeting, but we have to do something,” Roberts said.
The money coming in to the cemetery district is less and less each year as it sells fewer plots, she said, but the site still needs the same amount of maintenance and management.
Foothills 4-H Club Leader Colleen Piehler said her group was more than willing to perform the community service project. “As a 4-H group, we’re often asking the community for support, so I think by doing community service it shows the community that the kids are willing to give back,” Piehler said.
The club has nine children and is only in its second year, she said.
Previously, the club has collected eyeglasses in an event called “Sight Night,” and next month it will team up with a new Girl Scout troupe in Acme to clean up the Acme Elementary school grounds in honor of Earth Day.
The cemetery clean up went by quickly and easily because the majority of the club showed up to help. “It worked out great, it was a good group effort,” Piehler said. “The kids just stepped up and did what they needed to do.”
Over the course of just two hours, the crew gradually cleared a large area on the edge of the property where there are no gravestones, she said.
“It didn’t take as long as we thought it would take,” Piehler added. “It ended up being a good morning to do it. Crisp, but good.”
Now the grass is cleared for mowing, as must be done each year as spring approaches.
The job is usually tackled by only a small handful of older men in the community. “I think it was good for the kids to get out there and work with the older men in the community, too,” Piehler said.

Suspects sought in burglaries

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:47:31 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
COUNTY – The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information and suspects following several burglaries reported in the South Fork Valley and an attempted robbery in Everson.
According to the WCSO, recent South Fork Valley incidents have included burglaries in the in the 3800 and 2500 blocks of Valley Highway and the 4900 block of Turkington Road. Several items were stolen from residences, including computer equipment.
One suspect, Levi Scott Zapien, 18, of Bellingham, was arrested on March 9 and booked into Whatcom County Jail on charges of second-degree possession of stolen property, trafficking stolen property and failure to appear for minor in possession. Stolen property in his possession included a laptop.
According to Chief Doug Chadwick, other investigations are ongoing. “We hope to have a couple more arrests,” Chadwick said, adding investigators are examining if the incidents are related.
Additional details about the crimes could not be confirmed as of press time.
In Everson, a home on E. Pole Road that was previously burglarizes was again struck by a suspect on Tuesday evening, March 9. A suspect entered the home in the 1100 block at gunpoint, pointing it at two juvenile females in the home. The girls were forced into a bathroom, while the suspect reportedly sought items to steal. During this time, family members returned home and the man fled westbound on Pole Road in an early 1990s silver or gray four-door Honda, officials said.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late teens or early 20s, approximately 5-foot-6-inches tall and weighing 160-170 pounds. He was wearing dark blue sweatshirt and jeans, and a black ski mask.
Members of the public with any leads or information about suspects or suspicious vehicles should call the WCSO tip line at 715-7459.

Crews to shift part of highway away from Nooksack River

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:46:48 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
GLACIER – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is starting a project that will hift a quarter-mile of Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) away from the Nooksack River near E. Church Mountain Road, four miles east of Glacier.
Crews are moving equipment into place as work will begin at the site on Monday, March 22, and last for two weeks. Traffic will be stopped for up to 30 minutes at a time during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, to fall and remove trees along what will become the new path for the highway. WSDOT is shifting the highway to help reduce the risk of flood damage and emergency closures, officials said.
The Forest Service will close Church Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 3040) March 17 through April 22. The Forest Service road provides access to the popular spring-time Church Mountain trailhead. Hikers can still access to the trailhead from Forest Service Road 3035 by hiking 1.25 miles east along the power lines to Church Mountain Road.
Along with shifting the highway, crews will also build a new bridge at Chain-up Creek, to improve fish passage. The existing culvert is a barrier for fish. Bridge work will begin in June. Crews will reduce the road to one lane for several months and will use a signal to alternate traffic through the area, officials said.
This project is primarily funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package.
Hikers are advised to call the Mt. Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/ for updated information about trails and roads.

Suspect arrested after fleeing police, booked on multiple felony charges

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:46:05 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
MAPLE FALLS – A suspect wanted for multiple felony charges was arrested on Wednesday after law enforcement agencies tracked him for nearly an hour in the town of Maple Falls.
According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, suspect William Anderson, 45, was wanted in connection with a domestic violence incident that took place on Monday on Golden Valley Drive, Paradise Lakes. Anderson allegedly fled the area at the time and was not located. He allegedly made several threats, and has a history of previous arrests.
On Wednesday late morning, Anderson’s truck was spotted by WCSO heading westbound in the 7600 block of Mount Baker Highway in Maple Falls. Anderson, who had altered his appearance and also changed the color of his truck by spray painting it black, was driving the truck, and attempted to flee police. A male passenger was also in the vehicle, and wanted for misdemeanor warrants.
Anderson drove the truck behind Frosty’s Inn, where he then broke the canopy of his truck and got stuck after trying to go over boulders. The men then fled the scene.
Law enforcement back-up was called in, with response from a U.S. Border Patrol unit, Washington State Patrol, Sumas Police Department and Everson Police Department, as well as a helicopter from the Office of Air and Marine and K-9 unit. Officers were spread out in the area of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road, some with guns drawn, while the helicopter circled overhead.
Authorities searched the area, surrounding Maple Falls proper for nearly an hour. Anderson tried to locate a vehicle for a getaway car, and then attempted to hide under the deck of a home in Cascades West, a small residential neighborhood off of Silver Lake Road, where he also tried to gain entry, according to officials.
Anderson was found by authorities and taken into custody. He was booked Wednesday afternoon for felony harassment, unlawful imprisonment, assault (4th degree domestic violence), and unlawful possession of a firearm.
He was being held in the County Jail without bail, and was scheduled for a court appearance Thursday afternoon, March 11.
The passenger’s identity could not be confirmed as of press time. He was reportedly not located by authorities.
Other details regarding the case could not be confirmed as of press time.

(Editor’s Note: The print version of this article contained an error regarding the helicopter that assisted with the search. The Foothills Gazette regrets the error.)

Parks and Rec Foundation possible short-term solution for skate park

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:45:08 +0000

by BRENT COLE
GLACIER – The Glacier Skate Park Association is eyeing the possibility of joining the non-profit Parks and Recreation Foundation as a short-term solution to maintaining the park.
The non-profit Foundation is not affiliated with the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department.
Glacier Skate Park organizer Jeremy Miller, as well as the group’s lawyer, Dannon Traxler, will present their proposal at the Foundation’s board meeting on March 19.
“They take a low fee for processing and we’re filling out the application,” he said.
The group will still file for their own non-profit status, but being a part of the foundation will allow them to take donations while the paperwork is being filled out and recorded.
According to Miller, the group and new property owner Joe Kong have come to a verbal agreement regarding the park, and will allow them to stay on the land providing they can meet all of the county’s permit requirements.
The newly formed Glacier Skate Park Association will get 10,000 square feet to use for the skatepark in exchange for paying part of the back taxes on the piece of property as well as helping King when he builds a home on his 25-acre property. “I had to agree to do some concrete work for him in the future and pour a slab if he needed it,” Miller said. “I like that idea because we’re helping each other.”
Epson Engineering, said Miller, will surveying the sight at no charge. Miller has also brought in Volcom, an international skate and snowboarding company that is interested in helping with fundraising as well as paying the approximately $4,000 initially needed to get the project legal and legitimate – $3,000 for the conditional use permit as well as $1,000 for back taxes.
On April 8, the Glacier Skate Park Association will put on a benefit show at the Wild Buffalo in Bellingham, featuring live music and a raffle/auction for items.

Everson Lions Club holds food drive March 26

Becca Schwarz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:44:06 +0000

EVERSON – In honor of International Lions Day on Friday, March 26, the Everson Lions Club will sponsor a food drive at the Everson Market from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Working together in the spirit of giving, the Club is holding a friendly competition between the communities of Everson and Nooksack to see whose residents can raise the most food donations. Proceeds will benefit the Nooksack Valley Food Bank.