Foothills Gazette » News Updates

Fire District 14 holding public hearing

The Foothills Gazette — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:22 +0000

KENDALL — The Whatcom County Fire District 14 Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the district’s draft Fire District 14 Capital Facilities Plan on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7 p.m. at 7528 Kendall Rd., Maple Falls (the Kendall Fire Station).

The draft Capital Facilities Plan will be available for viewing on the district’s website at http:/www.wcfd14.org/ and at the Kendall Fire Station.

The plan presents an inventory of the current capital facilities of Fire District 14, the anticipated future needs for capital facilities to maintain the adopted levels of service for fire protection based upon projected growth over the planning period, and financing for proposed capital improvement projects. The commissioner will consider adopting the Capital Facilities Plan after receiving public comments at the hearing.

The district is inviting and encouraging the public to submit written comments and/or to attend the hearing to provide oral comments. Written comments may be submitted to:

Whatcom County Fire District 14

P.O. Box 482

Sumas, WA 98295

Email: denise@wcfd14.org

Snowshoe Fest postponed due to weather

Becca Schwarz — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:42:34 +0000

The Snowshoe Fest that had been planned for Saturday, March 17 at Silver Fir Campground has been postponed due to weather conditions. More snow is predicted later this week. The parking area at Salmon Ridge SnowPark may be filled with snow and therefore parking would be a problem as well, organizer Mel Monkelis said. Tentative plans are to reschedule for the end of this month. For an update, visit http://www.SnowshoeWhatcom.com

Note to readers

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Dear readers, After publishing the Foothills Gazette for 6 1/2 years, we have made the difficult decision that it is time for us to move on. Our family is putting out one last issue of the Foothills Gazette on Monday the 12th. After this, the Foothills Gazette will be under the ownership of the Lynden Tribune family, and they will keep the newspaper publishing! Their first issue will be in April. We will include more details in Monday’s paper. This was a bittersweet decision for us — a difficult one, but one we had to make. We have loved being able to serve the community, but it has also been a heck of a struggle to keep it going. It was important to us the newspaper kept going, and it will under the direction of the Lynden Tribune family! We want to thank you SO MUCH for supporting the Foothills Gazette. It’s meant and means a lot to us, and we hope you continue to support it. Thank you. –Becca & Brent Cole

RESCHEDULED: Fundraiser to help injured Acme boy, 10

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:06:24 +0000

ACME – A fundraiser for an Acme boy who was seriously injured in a fall will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Acme Elementary. The benefit was rescheduled from Jan. 21 due to weather.

Kaden Fox

Kaden Fox, a 10-year-old student at Acme Elementary, was on a family outing in December when he fell off a 40-foot cliff and suffered multiple injuries, including broken bones and a shattered jaw (resulting in the loss of most of his teeth). He has had several surgeries. and will continue to require medical care. He is currently in a wheelchair.

The fundraiser, organized by the Acme Fire Department, Acme PTA, and community members, will be a spaghetti dinner and bake sale, as well as a silent auction. The dinner will be $5 per person and includes spaghetti, salad, bread and choice of drink. Local entertainment will be provided.

Donations of baked goods are welcome, and can be dropped off at the following times and locations: Friday, Jan. 27 at the Acme General Store during business hours; and Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Acme General Store until 3 p.m. and at Acme Elementary School from 3 to 4 p.m. Organizers ask that bake sale items be labeled and must be baked (not raw or requires refrigeration) for food safety.

In addition to the benefit, monetary donations can be made to the account for Kaden Fox at any WECU branch, or send checks payable to Kaden Fox Donation Fund, P.O. Box 9750 Bellingham WA 98227.

For more information about the event, or to make a donation for the silent auction, ask any member of the Acme Fire Department, contact Laura Smith at 595-9381, Judy Paine at the Acme Store or Renee Kalsbeek at 739-5132.

Foothills Gazette now printing monthly

Becca Schwarz — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:25:55 +0000

Dear readers, The next issue of the Gazette will be out this Friday, Jan. 13 (deadline Tuesday at 4). Please note the Gazette will now print once a month. We have been struggling for a long time to keep this free community newspaper afloat. We are no longer able to publish twice a month, so we are moving to a monthly format, and hope this way we can continue to serve the community. Anyone interested in advertising should contact 599-3320 or e-mail editor@foothillsgazette.com. We’ll have more details in Friday’s paper. Thank you.

Sumas teen killed in Saturday morning crash

Becca Schwarz — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:39:15 +0000

BELLINGHAM – An 18-year-old Sumas man was killed late Saturday morning, Dec. 3 after losing control of his motorcycle in the 200 block of West Horton road in Bellingham, according to the Bellingham Police Department. “Witnesses told police that the motorcyclist was traveling west on West Horton with another motorcyclist and lost control of his 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle after passing a vehicle also going west,” a press release states. Paramedic were called to the scene and pronounced David T. Swift deceased. Swift was a 2011 graduate of Nooksack Valley High School.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Local events

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:13:42 +0000

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

Three Rivers Holiday Silent Auction and Show: All are welcome to join the local non-profit school, Three Rivers Cooperative, for the annual Holiday Silent Auction and Show. 6 to 9 p.m. at the Van Zandt Hall. Family fun, bingo, and children’s musical performance. Varied selection of over 50 auction items, donated from local businesses. Three Rivers Cooperative is a non-profit, community school in eastern Whatcom County.

Everson-Nooksack Winter Festival: Hosted by the Everson-Nooksack Chamber of Commerce. Featuring family-friendly holiday activities and open house at local businesses. Visit from Santa, free hot chocolate in Everson City Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and more. For more information, contact 966-3407.

Happy Holidays: The choir at Mount Baker High School presents a concert filled with songs and sentiments of the Holiday Season. Dinner-theater style setting. Admission is $5 each and includes a hot beverage (coffee or apple cider) and a dessert donated by a local restaurant. All proceeds support choir program. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For advantce tickets, contact Linda Moore at 383-2033 or lmoore@mtbaker.wednet.edu. Event held at 7:30 p.m. the Bellingham Covenant Church, 1530 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Mt. Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Holiday Social: Beginning at 7 p.m. East Whatcom County Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Road, Columbia Valley. Potluck dinner to follow business portion of the meeting. Service and beverages will be provided.

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival: Free, family friendly event with many festive activities including a fire truck and horse-drawn wagon rides, local choirs, bands, and dance troupes, gingerbread houses on display, and more. Santa Claus will appear too! Noon to 5 p.m. Bellingham Cruise Terminal. For more details, visit portofbellingham.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Snowshoe Trail Brushing Work Party: Join the Mount Baker Club, Whatcom Events and REI for a light-duty trail brushing party to connect the upper White Salmon Road and the lower Snowpark. A new map of the snowshoe routes will be given to all volunteers. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Crossroads Grocery Store in Maple Falls. Lunch, t-shirt, hand tools provided. Wear appropriate clothing. Participants must RSVP by calling 360-746-8861 (days) or 392-1015 (evenings) or send an email to Info@skitosea.com so that the organizers can plan for lunches.

Santa Train: Take the Lake Whatcom Railway with Santa. Rides depart at 9:30 a.m., 12 noon, and 2:30 p.m. (Advance reservation by mail only.) Ben the banjo player and elf will be on board, and the coffee shop will be open. Visit lakewhatcomrailway.com for more information, or call 595-2218.

Kendall Elementary Garden Work Party: Help break ground on the new school garden. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing, bring gloves and tools,and pack a drink and lunch. Coffee and snacks will be provided. For more details, contact Katie Chugg at 599-1391 or Chuggkm78@yahoo.com.

Let’s Make Presents! Make great gifts for family and friends. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For grades K-5. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. For more information call Tammy LaPlante at 384-3150 x219.

The Children’s Shop: A special holiday craft bazaar just for kids. Thirty vendors are selling unique handmade gifts items all priced at $8 or less. Shopping limited to kids only, but adults may accompany their children or wait in the food concession area. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Community Building.

Happy Holidays: See Dec. 2 for details. For Saturday performance, doors open at 2:30 p.m. Show starts at 3 p.m.

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival: See Dec. 2.

Lighted Christmas Parade: Lynden’s 21st annual holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Christmas Parade, where visitors are treated to holiday carolers and a display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more. The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street through downtown Lynden. See the unique light displays through town. Free.

Nick Vigarino – Back Porch Stomp: Slide guitar “slop jar delta funk” blues, starts at 9 p.m. Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Biscuits and gravy available. Tickets are $5 per adult, $2 per child (ages 6-10) and free for kids 5 and under. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fastest service 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mount Baker Highway, east Bellingham. Call 739-9605.

Painted Angel and Beaded Snowflake Workshop: 1 to 4 p.m. at Mountainside Gardens, 6900 Mt Baker Highway, milepost 24. Cost is $35, includes all materials. Join the fun and get into the holiday spirit. Call 599-2271 for more info and to sign up.

28th Annual Silver Tea: The Friends of Everson Library hold their annual Silver Tea at the Everson Library. Discover individually decorated tables with this year’s theme, Christmas Angels. Tea and coffee, cookies, and music. Free, all welcome. 2 to 6 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. For more information call 966-5100.

Bellingham English Country Dance Ball: Traditional 18th-19th century English dances as seen in Jane Austen Movies. Easy dancing to beautiful music. All dances are taught and called; all levels welcome. Formal attire admired but not required. Please wear soft shoes. 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rome Grange,2821 Mount Baker Highway, east Bellingham. For more information, contact englishcountrydance@comcast.net.

TUESDAY, DEC. 6

Teen Monster Creating and Cupcake Decorating!: Make creative felt Monster presents for your friends while decorating and eating cupcakes. Sign up at the Deming Library. For grades 6-12. 3 to 4 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

bentgrass: Local bluegrass band performs every other Thursday night at Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier. Starts at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

Let’s Make Presents!: Make great gifts for family and friends. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For grades K-5. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. For more information contact Tammy LaPlante at 384-3150 x219.

Everson Senior Center Annual Bazaar & Bake Sale: Local arts and crafts vendors will participate. Browse the handcrafts, antiques, and collectibles. Get your $1 raffle tickets for the drawings with lots of prizes donated by local businesses. Pie by the slice for $1. Profits benefit the Everson Senior Center. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Everson Senior Center, 111 Main Street, next to Everson City Hall. Call 988-3144 on Wednesdays or Fridays for more information.

Holiday Tea: Tea, cookies and music! Join the community in celebrating the holiday season with the music of the Mt. Baker Swing Choir, Honey Bees, McLaughlin Irish Dancers, Lutheran Bell Choir and Mockingbird. All ages. 1 to 5 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

Santa Train: See Dec. 3.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Free Wreath Making Workshop: Bring some greens to share if you have them, everything else provided. 1 to 4 p.m. at Mountainside Gardens, 6900 Mt Baker Highway. For more information call 599-2271.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

PTO Cookie Exchange: Kendall Elementary School.

Open Mic at Graham’s: All welcome. Must be over 21 after 9 p.m. Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

Get Creative Gift-Making for Teens: Seasonal craft material and projects will be available for teens. Light refreshments provided by Friends of the Everson Library. 3:30 to 4:30 pm. For grades 6-12. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. Call 966-5100.

A Gift of Dance Studio Recital: An evening of dance for the winter recital “Love and Life.” Students will perform ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, worship styles of dance. Starts at 7 p.m. Nooksack High School Performing Arts Center, Everson.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Mrs. Claus at the Blue Mountain Grill: Naughty or Nice, Mrs.Claus is near! Visit from 1 to 4 p.m. Crafts, goodies and fun for the kids. Blue Mountain Grill, 974 Valley Highway, Acme. Call 595-2200.

UPCOMING

Tim McHugh and the Lost Poets: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Van Zandt Community Hall. Tim McHugh and his former bandmates perform in a birthday celebration for his wife, Kristina Coyne-McHugh. Potluck at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m. All welcome.

ONGOING

Deming Library: Open Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday-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: Open Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 111 W. Main St. Regular hot lunch at noon. Cost is $3 to $5.50 by donation. Call 966-3144.

Good Yarns at Deming Library: Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. All welcome. 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming. Call 592-2422. All needleworkers welcome. Check out our blog at http://yarnravelers.blogspot.com/

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

The Helpful Knitters: Enjoy good conversation while working together on needlecrafts. All crafters welcome. Winter hours are 2 to 4 p.m. each Monday. Call 988-2501 for more information.

Knit Night at North Fork Community Library: Bring your crafting for an evening of good company.Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m. North Fork Community Library, 7506 Kendall Road. Call 599-2020.

Maple Falls Sew and Sews (quilt group) meets the third Monday at 6:30 at Kendall Elementary School. Quilters of all skill levels. Call 392-8717.

North Fork Community Library: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 1 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7506 Kendall Road, Kendall. Call 599-2020.

Preschool Storytime: A half-hour of stories and more for 3 – 5 year-olds. Deming Library: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 13, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, 592-2422; Everson Library: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 5, 104 Kirsch Drive, 966-5100; North Fork Community Library: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., 7509 Mt. Baker Highway, 599-2020; and Sumas Library: Mondays at 11 a.m., 451 2nd Street, 988-2501.

Saturday Evening Gathering: Special event for all ages at Silver Lake Community Church, 7836 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls. 5 to 6:15 p.m. Child care provided. Refreshments and fellowship.

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 Monday and Wednesday, noon to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 451 2nd Street, Sumas. 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.

–compiled by the Foothills Gazette

Wind advisory, high wind watch issued

Becca Schwarz — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:57:42 +0000

COUNTY – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory and high wind watch. The forecast indicates strong winds are expected along the coast and north interior Monday morning and again through Tuesday morning. “A pair of fronts will bring windy conditions to parts of western WA Washington,” the forecast states. “The first front will reach the coast early this morning then cross inland areas by late this morning with gusty south winds expected.” Winds will likely be 25 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts reaching as high as 50 mph. Winds this strong can snap tree branches, topple small or shallow rooted trees, and can cause power outages.

Posted Monday morning, Nov. 21.

Community Flu Clinic Nov. 9

Becca Schwarz — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:58:02 +0000

KENDALL – A Community Flu Clinic will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Kendall Elementary School from 8 a.m. to noon. Flu shots are free for individuals covered by Medicare or DSHS. Private insurances such as Group Health and Regence are also paying 100 percent. The charge is $25 for those without insurance. Receipts will be available for private insurance reimbursement. For more information, contact Kendall Elementary School at 383-2055.

Foothills Gazette will resume Nov. 4

Becca Schwarz — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:18:05 +0000

The Foothills Gazette will resume publication Friday, Nov. 4. The deadline for advertising and submissions is Monday, Oct. 31. Please note the Foothills Gazette office will continue to be closed through Oct. 26th. Becca, Brent and family are enjoying their new baby girl born Oct. 13.

While the office is closed, submissions for the November issue can be sent to info@foothillsgazette.com.

The publishing schedule through the rest of 2011 will be as follows:

• Nov. 4 (deadline Oct. 31)

• Nov. 18 (deadline Nov. 14)

• Dec. 2 (deadline Nov. 28)

• Dec. 16 (deadline Dec. 12)