Foothills Gazette » July 9 – 29

Artist Point: Snow removal starts

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:06:46 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
COUNTY – After weeks of unseasonably cold spring and early summer weather, this week’s weather took on summer with temperatures in the high 80s and sunny skies. The change in weather comes at the same time the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begin the annual provcess to remove snow from the end of Mount Baker Highway, allowing motorists to access Artist Point.
With a bulldozer, excavator and blower, the WSDOT crew started work Tuesday, July 6, to remove snow from the last few miles of Mount Baker Highway. The effort began under sunny skies and warm temperatures.
“I guess the switch to summertime just started… If it stays like this, it will work real well for us,” said Theo Donk, maintenance supervisor for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Artist Point is 5,400 feet above sea level and is covered in snow most of the year.
Warm temperatures will aid DOT workers by helping to melt the snow, which is deeper than normal because of late seasonal snowfall and a cool spring into summer.
Donk said the goal is to take four weeks to clear snow from the last 2.7-mile stretch of the Mount Baker Highway.
“The snow gets deeper as you go up the hill,” he said.
The snow depth is about five feet at the lower gate at Mt. Baker Ski Area, where the road closure starts, and a little more than 20 feet in the parking lot for Artist Point.
The work will begin with a bulldozer, which can move plenty of snow in a hurry, Donk explained. It will move snow until what remains is at a depth that the excavator and blower, which come in after the bulldozer, can handle.
Artist Point is a popular viewpoint that sits at the end of the highway and features 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. It is the starting-off point for numerous stunning mountain hikes.
Artist Point usually is open from July to the first substantial snowfall of the year in late September or early October.
Last year, it opened on July 14 and closed on Sept. 29.

Conditions

After weeks of colder weather and late season snowfall, a lot of snow remains in the high country. While snow melt is starting, officials advise visitors and hikers to be aware of conditions. For information, stop in at the Glacier Public Service Center or contact the Mt. Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700. Updated conditions are posted online www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/.

Community calendar: Upcoming events

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:50:30 +0000

FRIDAY, JULY 9

Garage Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NVU Methodist Church, 203 E. Lincoln, Nooksack.

Friends of Everson McBeath Community Library at Everson-Nooksack Days: Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Peddlers Market: Rain or shine at Blue Mountain Grill, 974 Valley Highway, Acme. For table space, call 595-2200.

Everson-Nooksack Days: Community fun, games, parade, vendors and more in downtown Everson. Family fun run starts in Nooksack City Park.

All About Orchids: Cost is $10 per person. Workshop presented by Chuck McClung at Mountainside Gardens, 10 a.m. to noon. To sign up, call 599-2890.

Friends of Everson McBeath Community Library at Everson-Nooksack Days: Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical walking tour of downtown Everson with local historian James Berg at 12:30 on July 10; and a Cake Walk from 1:30 – 2:30 on July 10.

South Fork Summer Celebration: Fund raiser for the South Fork Valley Community Association. 3 p.m. to dusk at Josh Vander Yacht Memorial Park, Van Zandt. Includes Farmers and Crafters Market (call 592-2297 to reserve space), memorial ceremony, games, music by Calico Hearts and bandZandt.

Community Contra Dance: For the Everson-Nooksack Summer Festival. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Glen Echo Community Club, 7694 Goodwin Road, Everson. Finger food potluck, music by Up in the Air. Cost is $7 individual, or $20 for a family of 3 or more. Call 393-1312.

War Pigeon: Live music at Graham’s restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. 599-1964.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

Treasure Hunt: Somewhere in the library there is pirate treasure. Join the hunt with Catherine Sarette. 10:30 a.m. For kids of all ages. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.

Scooby Doo Party: Celebrate all your favorite Scooby Doo characters with games, crafts and Scooby snacks. Rooby Rooby Roo! 1 p.m. For kids of all ages. Sumas Public Library, 451 2nd St. Call 988-2501.

SATURDAY, JULY 17

Annual Rubber Ducky Race: Boulder Creek in Maple Falls. Race begins at noon, rain or shine. 1st place wins $400, 2nd place wins $200, and 3rd place wins $100. Hot dog, chips and soda meals just $4. Tickets Available for $5 each at Mountain Man Espresso, Maple Falls Liquor Store, The Frosty Inn and Starvin’ Sam’s or by calling Paulene Shaw at 599-1265. Proceeds benefit the Mount Baker Scholarship Fund and Community Activity Funds.

Growing Your New Business: A free small business workshop with Jack Kimmes from SCORE. 1 p.m. The WCLS Hard Times project received a grant from Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library as a part of Renew Washington Project which is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Institute of Museum and Library Services. Deming Public Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

Book (and Stuff) Sale: Friends of the Sudden Valley Library are having a book and household goods sale at the Sudden Valley Flea Market at the Community Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the remodeling fund for the new Sudden Valley Library in the middle barn. Donations of books, clothes, household items, and baked goods are welcome. Please contact Clairene Almond, 318-3699 for more information.

Mt Baker Alumni Basketball BATTLE of the DECADES II: Proceeds from this event will be donated to Mount Baker arts programs. Presented by Mount Baker Alumni Association.Exhibition basketball tournament featuring several Mount Baker alumni teams from the 70’s to the present! Mt. Baker Field House. Admission is $5/adult, $3/student and $15/family. Concessions available. Call Joan McNielly at 592-2274.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Dive Into Science: Water is more amazing than you ever guessed! Experiments, treats, and more with Tammy LaPlante. For school-age kids. 10:30 a.m. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

bentgrass: Local bluegrass band performs at Graham’s Restaurant. No charge. 21+ after 10 p.m. Call 599-1964.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

A Labyrinth Walk & Talk: 3-6 p.m. at the Van Zandt Community Hall. Myra Smith, owner of Laughing Flower Labyrinth & Landscape Co., will tell participants about their history and purpose. Admission is free, but a $10 donation would be appreciated. All welcome.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

A 12 inch Hike! Explore the Miniature World of the Subalpine Ecosystem and earn your Junior Ranger Badge North Cascades Natural Park Ranger and Environmental Educator Christie Fairchild will lead this hands-on activity for kids of all ages. Heather Meadows Speaker Series, 1 p.m. Parking pass required.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Beach Party: Games, beach reading, and treats. But beware of sharks! (Bring a beach towel.) With Catherine Sarette. For kids of all ages. 10:30 a.m. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.

EVERYDAY LIFE: First fish

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:47:10 +0000

by JOHN McKNIGHT

I’ve had joint ownership in our 12 foot aluminum fishing boat for over two years now. All and all it’s been a good investment. We used to tip over canoes or crowd into a 3 man rubber raft that had hardly enough room for 1 man and his gear. Until about a week ago my wife had never been in it. There’s something about bad luck for a seagoing vessel when a woman’s aboard. And although the Sea Monkey had never actually been to sea, every trip is a voyage and no fisherman can afford bad luck. Twice tempting fate I took her and my 4 year old daughter fishing.
The plan was simple. I’d troll to a good spot to bobber fish and have a couple trout boated before we got there. That was assuming that we’d get past the launch bravely and not get scared once on the lake. Silver Lake is often breezy so we were happy to find calm waters and a nearly warm afternoon. And after pushing our way through the weeds by the launch I was delighted to find everyone all smiles and happy to be underway.
Putting my plan into action I quickly got a rooster tail out behind the boat and slowly motored along. Less than 5 minutes later my daughter declared that I needed to catch a fish. This was repeated every minute or so until she decided that she needed to be fishing. Apparently my efforts weren’t adequate so she was ready to take over. She also wanted to go faster which is impossible with an electric trolling motor (relatively speaking). I think she even suggested she drive the boat, under her breath of course.
Meanwhile my wife sat in the bow quietly enjoying the exchange. I neglected to get her a license, can’t have too much competition, so was just along for the scenery and the ride. To her credit she tried to offer snacks and juice to help keep the peace. But it was hard on our little girl with her new genuine Shakespeare Tinker Bell rod sitting in a rod holder inches away doing nothing. Especially when it appeared that dad and his rod were doing much the same.
Eventually we got to a prime bobber fishing spot and I loaded up her hook with Power Bait and cast it out about 20 feet. She was all excited now, giggling and talking and ready to catch a fish. Did I say excited? Yes, and that explains why bobber fishing isn’t the perfect way to take a 4 year old fishing for the first time no matter how perfect the spot. She had to reel it in over and over again which sort of defeats the purpose of bobber fishing. But it was all about fun and she was having fun. Somewhere in the middle of all this fun I noticed that the really cool colored Power Bait we picked out was the floating kind, also not optimal for bobber fishing.
I cast a variety of lures off the other side of the boat most of the time all this was going on, and was a little frustrated by the lack of action. Remember the plan? Daddy goes fishing and almost always catches fish. And if I caught one I could at least let her hold my rod and get the feel of having a fish on before we headed back to shore. I was dwelling on my bad luck and blaming the fates when our daughter declared it was time to go home. At least she didn’t have to go potty.
We started back at trolling speed and I reeled off about 60 feet of line figuring to get at least one fish on the way in. My wife took the bobber off Tinker Bell’s line and I crimped on a couple of medium sized split shot. I needed a little extra weight to get the floating bait under the surface at the speed we were moving. Grinding my teeth at the thought of getting skunked in front of the women, I looked down and noticed the Tinker reel was still spooling out line. It didn’t get cocked properly and her line must have nearly spooled (that’s fishing for “run out”). I think we got it stopped just in time and reeled it back in about halfway so our girl would at least feel like she was fishing.
One of us should. And when that Tinker Bell rod started jerking around in the rod holder one of us did. My wife helped her reel it in but it was our daughter’s fish all the way. It was her first, an 11 inch Rainbow, and a moment none of us will ever forget. “Honey, can daddy hold your rod for a minute so he knows what it feels like to have a fish on?” She’s only the latest to out fish me this year, a 4 year old with a Tinker Bell rod.
John McKnight has been exploring Whatcom and Skagit counties for over 25 years. He can be e-mailed at john@foothillsgazette.com.

Heather Meadows speaker series set for summer

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:45:43 +0000

MT. BAKER – The Heather Meadows Guest Speaker Program for 2010 has been scheduled, and includes various speakers on wildlife, heritage and environmental topics.
The series will be held on weekends at 1 p.m. at Heather Meadows Visitor Center located on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at milepost 56 on Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542). Programs are free, but a recreation pass is required. For more information call the Glacier Public Service Center at 360-599-2714, open daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The schedule is as follows:
• July 25: A 12 inch Hike! Explore the Miniature World of the Subalpine Ecosystem and earn your Junior Ranger Badge North Cascades Natural Park Ranger and Environmental Educator Christie Fairchild will lead this hands-on activity for kids of all ages.
• July 31: Memoirs of a Forester . Harold C.”Chris” Criswell reads from his memoirs from working with the CCC and the Forest Service from 1933-1971. Chris was the Mt. Baker National Forest supervisor 1957-1971.
• Aug. 1: Mountain Goats of Mt. Baker. Mt. Baker Ranger District biologist Don Gay promises to not pull the wool over your eyes during this talk about our local mountain goat herds.
• Aug. 7: My Grandfather’s Collection: A magic lantern slide show. Laura Jacoby presents original glass slides from the Galen Biery collection. This wonderful collection from the 1920s and 30s shows Heather Meadows as it was in the olden days.
• Aug. 8: Sub-Alpine Plant Walk: An Introduction to the Plants of Heather Meadows. Presented by Walt Lockwood, former president of the Koma Kulshan chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Starting at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center it will take participants on a two-mile loop walk around the Bagley Lakes. It should last 1 to 2 hours. It is not wheelchair accessible.
• Aug. 14: Are There Any Grizzlies Here? Rose Oliver, Grizzly Bear Outreach Program Field Coordinator for Skagit and Whatcom counties will be talking about the status of the Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades.
• Aug. 15: A Visit with Smokey Bear. Join the Mt. Baker Ranger District fire prevention engine and a very special guest to learn about protecting our forests from wildfires.
• Aug. 21: Nooksack Stories. Join Nooksack elder Tammy Cooper-Woodrich for traditional stories about the animals, plants, and people of the Nooksack River drainage.
• Aug. 22: Children’s Activity Program: Mammals, Mountans and Man. Starts at 11:30 a.m. Children can join North Cascades National Park Ranger Autumn Carlsen and create your own public land. Learn about the park, the forest, and the mammals that ignore the borders.
• Aug. 22: History of the Mount Baker Mining District: Michael G. Impero, author of the book, The Lone Jack: King of the Mount Baker Mining District and the upcoming Gold Mines of Mount Baker will dig into the rich history of the Heather Meadows area.
• Aug. 28: The Explosive History of Heather Meadows. Join Dave Tucker, Mount Baker volcanologist and research associate at Western Washington University’s Geology Department for a geological trip back in time.
• Aug. 29: Heather Meadow: Forged by Fire and Ice. US Forest Service and Yellowstone Institute Volunteer Mary Beth Phelan will lead a nature walk on the Fire and Ice trail. This walk is wheelchair accessible. After the Fire and Ice walk, Mary Beth will take interested group members further on to the Bagley Lakes trail. This portion will not be wheelchair accessible.
• Sept. 4: Is That a Bear Over There? Forest Service Volunteer Mountain Steward Elmer Roomsa shares his knowledge about our local Black Bear population.
• Sept. 5: Lions, No Tigers, and Bears. Oh My. Forest Service Volunteer Mountain Steward Elmer Roomsa shares his knowledge about our local Black Bear and cougar populations.
• Sept. 11: Mt. Baker the Stories Behind the Beauty: Reminisces of Jake Steiner as told to Virginia Hoyt. Erica Kennedy, a Discover Your Northwest interpreter, will present Virginia Hoyt’s slide show about the road development of the area. Jake Steiner was born in Glacier. His parents homesteaded in the area in the late 1800s.

IN THE GARDEN: Still time to plant

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:44:32 +0000

by Chuck McClung
There’s always plenty of gardening topics and notions to choose from when writing this here column – just look outside. Sometimes, however, I like it when someone emails a suggestion or an idea for the next column. But alas no offerings from the community this time around.
So being a graduate of the Bakerview Nursery School of Higher Gardening, I decided to consult one of my main gardening mentors and no less the gardening patriarch of Bakerview Nursery itself. So, “Larry Clark”, I say, “What the hell should I do my next gardening article about?” “Well Chuckie, Larry replies, “Tell ‘em there’s still lots they still can do in their veggie garden.” OK!
To start, get your soil ready. If you have never planted in that area before, you’ll have to remove whatever is there (e.g. lawn, weeds, perennials, etc.). Add compost or organic matter and roto-till or hoe it in to amend your existing soil. Or create raised beds on top of existing ground, but be sure you know what you’re doing before you start that project!
Many crops can still be seed planted. A late patch of carrots and most root crops can be planted now from seed. Beans and corn (only real short season varieties under 70 days) can also be planted from seed now. Soak your bean and corn seeds overnight to get a little jump start, and be sure to water if you soak seeds overnight. Expect a late harvest.
Any of the cole crops like broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and collards can be planted from seed now for a fall crop.
Most salad greens can be seed planted now like lettuces, spinach, chard, mustard greens, kale, arugula, bok choi, etc. Most salad greens prefer cooler weather as well as moisture. So, in our dry, long day summers, your salad greens will quickly (like in 1-2 weeks) go to seed or “bolt” if you do not water them.
Avoid planting seed outdoors for peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers. There just isn’t enough of the season left for those to be planted from seed.
The veggies starts that farmers markets and garden centers like Bakerview Nursery still have can all still be planted now. For tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, the biggest most robust plant is best. However with most other veggie starts, like lettuces, kale, broccoli, cabbage, chard, napa, squash, cucumbers, beans, and corn, smaller is better, because you’re assured that plants have not been in their containers too long.
Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives, and garlic chives can all be planted now too. Any of the cold hardy herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, lavender, fennel, oregano, and winter savory can also be planted now either from seed or as started plants. Again, remember to water.
Annual and/or tender herbs like basil, dill, stevia, and cilantro can also be planted now.
It is warm now, but the recent cooler weather we had may have stunted or knocked back early plantings of your cool-sensitive, warm season crops like cukes, squash, tomatoes, peppers and basil. If not much has been happening with these, it may be best to replant.
So, thanks Larry for the idea – guess we know who’s getting a late start this year…. Happy gardening.
Chuck McClung is a local botanist and gardening instructor. He helps others solve their indoor and outdoor gardening dilemmas and can be contacted at orchidfruit@hotmail.com.

Crossroads Grocery & Video expands

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:43:03 +0000

New beer cave, additional food items available
by Brita Adkinson
maple falls – Crossroads Grocery, located on the corner of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road in Maple Falls, opened an expanded area of their store in mid-June.
“We needed more space,” said Dave Halliday, who owns and manages the store together with his wife Jen. The Hallidays own the building which also accommodates the Mount Baker Baptist Church. They were able to increase the store space with 600 square feet by retrieving a part of the church premises that was less essential to the church’s activities.
The expansion enabled the husband-and-wife team to install a new, larger counter for fresh produce, including a lot of locally grown and organic produce, and now available daily. Dairy products are also on display in a new, larger counter with a larger variety.
The new space at the back of the store hosts a brand new beer cave – a chilled room filled with more than 200 different beers, including rare micro-brew, craft beers and foreign brand products such as Jamaican, Belgian and German beers. “Our range of beers has changed as much as changing from night to day,” said Halliday. In addition, the store expanded their wine products and now have more than 100 different wines available, and have also upped their movie rentals to 2,400.
“We’ve also increased our stock of gluten-free products,” Halliday said, adding many local people appreciate being able to buy gluten-free baking mixes, pizza crusts, pie crusts and other items.
The store accepts food assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC program).
“We currently employ 10 people on full-time and part-time basis,” Halliday said, “and we endeavor to provide employment for people who are permanent residents in our area.”
Jen Halliday, who manages the bookkeeping, makes her own brand of handcrafted soaps which are for sale at the store. Future plans include selling ski gear, fishing gear and bicycle parts. The Hallidays, who bought the store two years ago, said the reward for their long hours of work is to get to know the customers and be able to put something back into the local community.
For more information, contact Crossroads Grocery and Video at 599-9657. The store is located at the intersection of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road in Maple Falls and open seven days a week.

2nd annual Battle of the Decades basketball tourney on July 17

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:32:17 +0000

DEMING – The year-old Mount Baker Alumni Association is again hosting “The Battle of the Decades” basketball tournament on Saturday, July 17. Approximately 50 players participated last year, with about 300 people in attendance watching four decades of Mount Baker Basketball.
“We are very grateful to our 2009 players, coaches, referees, event volunteers, and of course the enthusiastic Baker Basketball fans,” according to Belva Tyska. Generous community sponsors for last year’s event included ALRT, Boss Construction, Boundary Bay Brewery, Cowden’s, Dodson’s, Everybody’s Store, Harvest Moon Bakery, Dr. Robert Klein, Prosperity Planning Partners, The Shirt Works, Sound Beverage, Vision Landscaping, Volvo Rents, and WECU. All proceeds were donated to Mount Baker Sports programs and were used to purchase conditioning equipment.
This year the Association is excited to welcome Mr. Doug Sutton and the newly formed Mount Baker Alumni Pep Band, which will include a variety of current and former Mountaineer Band members. Mr. Sutton has extended an open invitation to all past Mountaineer Band members to participate and can be contacted at www.facebook.com/joetuba for details and a practice schedule.
The “Battle of the Decades II” will include both men’s and women’s teams from the 70’s to recent 2010 graduates. The Association invites everyone in the community to come out for a night of fun and fellowship while cheering on your favorite decade to victory! Tip off times in the Mount Baker Field House will be: 2 p.m. Men’s Preliminary Games; 4:30 p.m. Women’s Exhibition Game; 5:30 p.m. Men’s Playoff Games. At 5:15 the Alumni Pep Band will perform. There will be a raffle for a 3-Point Contest with a variety of prizes and you can enjoy a hot dog and a drink at our concession stand. Tickets available at the door are $5/adult, $3/student and $15/family.
This year’s proceeds will be donated to Mount Baker Arts programs. For more information about the event or the Alumni Association please contact Joan McNielly at 592-2274.

Family Fun Run to benefit Nooksack Valley, Sumas food banks

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:31:31 +0000

NOOKSACK – The Fed the Family Fun Run, a fundraiser for the Nooksack Valley and Sumas Food banks, will be held this Saturday, July 10 to coincide with the Everson-Nooksack Summer Festival. The 5k walk/run 10k run will start in the Nooksack City Park. Registration is $20. A form is available online at eversonfunrun.com

Hills to Mills Show this weekend

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:30:34 +0000

DEMING – The annual Hills to Mills Woodworking and Craft will be held at the Deming Log Show Grounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 10, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 11. Admission to the event is free. Camping costs $30 for the weekend. Wood carvers from all over the country will be on site as well as local vendors. A live auction will be held at 4 p.m. on both days.

Local artist on display at Deming Library

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:29:49 +0000

DEMING –The Friends of the Deming Library sub-committe (Foothills Arts and Crafts Exhibits (FACE) will be having ongoing art shows by local artists in the library’s new meeting room. The first show opened on July 6 featuring South Fork valley artist Paul Temperio. Artist showings will generally be 4-6 weeks long. For more information, contact the library at 592-2422.